What Was Discussed with the Azerbaijanis: The Information Headquarters Issued a Statement

On August 23, Azerbaijani media reported on a visit to the Sarsang Reservoir by employees of Azerbaijan’s "Melioratsia and Water Economy" company, accompanied by representatives from the Republic of Artsakh, which has raised certain concerns and questions among the public.

In this regard, the Artsakh Information Headquarters informs that in the current situation created after the 44-day war in 2020, representatives of the Artsakh Water Committee have been in contact with the Azerbaijani side since 2021. This is facilitated through the mediation of the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in Artsakh, aimed at managing water resources and ensuring the safety of drinking and irrigation water supplied to the public.

Regular visits are made to areas under Azerbaijan's control to reach mutual agreements regarding the use of drinking and irrigation water provided to several communities of the Republic (including Stepanakert) and to resolve existing issues.

In this context, the latest meeting was organized near the Sarsang Reservoir to discuss the beneficial utilization of the Sarsang waters. Ideas were exchanged on possible options for the rational use of water resources, considering the control of the Sarsang Reservoir by the Republic of Artsakh and the control of irrigation infrastructure by Azerbaijan.

The discussions will continue soon, and decisions will be made based on the interests of the Republic of Artsakh, taking into account the needs for electricity production and irrigation in the Sarsang area, as well as the needs for drinking and irrigation water in other parts of the Republic.

While we understand the criticism directed at the state bodies of the Republic of Artsakh, we would like to express that the authorities of Artsakh do not aim to conceal any events. They are guided exclusively by the interests of the Republic of Artsakh and its people, delicately undertaking all possible measures to raise the level of state and public security and neutralize tension-inducing phenomena in the current situation.