A Piece of Kashatagh Will Remain in the Form of a Corridor, Says Khachaturyan about the New Road

Following the relocation of the corridor, the new route will pass through the administrative area of Aghanus and the settlements of Hunanaavan and Mehkradzor. Thus, in some way, a portion of Kashatagh will remain in the form of a corridor. This was stated by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Artsakh, Hayk Khachatryan, during a broadcast on Artsakh Public Radio.

“Regarding Aghavno and Berdzor, you know that we have been informed about the Russian military group's withdrawal from the currently operational corridor and their relocation to new areas. Therefore, there is a necessity to carry out certain actions by the community's regional and republican bodies in accordance with the civil defense plan,” Khachatryan noted.

He added that there has been a negative experience of failing to take certain actions outlined in the civil defense plan on time, especially after the war, which resulted in residents of some communities being neglected, beaten, or evacuated inadequately.

“In this case, such a scenario must not be allowed to unfold, and during emergencies, the civil defense plan must be implemented. According to that plan, evacuations are anticipated. Some residents will move toward Artsakh, while others will head to Armenia with their belongings,” the minister stated.

When asked about the reasoning behind the deadline of August 25, Hayk Khachatryan mentioned, “That deadline was initially August 5, which Azerbaijan presented almost as an ultimatum to the Russian military group. Subsequently, through negotiations, that became August 25. I think it is related to certain actions that are presumably connected to the failure to fulfill different agreements.”

Regarding the question of where the residents of Aghavno, Berdzor, and Sus would relocate to and what their status would be, Khachatryan said, “They will reside wherever they choose. At this moment, they want to live compactly. Residents will have the status of displaced persons and will benefit from programs concerning individuals displaced by the war.”

Hayk Khachatryan mentioned that starting from August 25, traffic is to be organized via alternative routes. “From Lisagor and Kyanach Tal, we will turn towards Mtsi Shend, Hini Shend, cross the bridge over the Aghavno River, travel a 3-4 km earthen road, and emerge onto the operational road located in the upper section of Aghavno, arriving near the well-known sign marking Artsakh. The earthen road will be operational until Armenia constructs the road to Kornidzor,” the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Artsakh, Hayk Khachatryan, added.