Armenians in Artsakh to Receive Financial Aid if They Don’t Burn Houses Left for Azerbaijan, Says Babayan

Arsen Babayan, a member of the ‘Homeland’ party council, has stated in a Telegram post that:

“It has become known through the media that the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Artsakh, Hayk Khanumyan, has met with residents in Berdzor, Aghavno, and other communities, urging them to leave their places of residence before the specified deadline, as these areas are to be handed over to the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to the same information, Minister Khanumyan also informed the residents that financial aid would be provided to them from state funds, but on the condition that they do not burn or damage the houses and structures being left for the Republic of Azerbaijan upon leaving their homes.”

“In this regard, ten days ago, I sent an official inquiry to Khanumyan, presenting the following questions: 1) Did Minister Hayk Khanumyan meet with the residents of Aghavno, Berdzor, and other communities in Artsakh, during which he urged them to leave their places of residence within the specified timeline? 2) Did Minister Khanumyan inform the residents during that meeting that they have no other option and must leave their homes to avoid physical destruction by the enemy? 3) Did Minister Khanumyan indicate that residents of the areas being vacated would receive support, assistance, or any other compensation from state funds? If yes, what kind of compensation or support is it? 4) Did Minister Khanumyan inform the residents that the allocations mentioned in point 3 of this inquiry could be granted on the condition that the residents leaving their homes do not destroy, burn, or damage the houses, buildings, and other property being left? If yes, please indicate on what legal basis or by whom such a requirement has been established.”

“Minister Hayk Khanumyan has yet to respond to my inquiry, violating the Artsakh Republic Law on Freedom of Information.”