VIDEO: Ruben Vardanyan Addresses Artsakh Residents Live

Armenian State Minister Ruben Vardanyan addressed the citizens of Artsakh during a live broadcast, commenting on Azerbaijan's suspension of gas supply to Artsakh and urging residents to conserve energy in order to maintain their way of life.

In his Telegram channel, Vardanyan wrote:

“Dear compatriots, you are well aware of the severe situation we are facing. On December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan once again closed the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outside world. The lives of more than 120,000 residents of Artsakh, including 30,000 children, are once again at risk. Artsakh is on the verge of a humanitarian disaster. But Artsakh cannot be broken.

Azerbaijan does not hide that its ultimate goal is the ethnic cleansing or total annihilation of the Armenians of Artsakh. The current situation once again demonstrates that there are no security guarantees for Artsakh and its people within Azerbaijan. There is only a threat of aggression from Baku and a pretext to continue the 2020 war.

In fact, since yesterday, Artsakh has been under complete blockade, similar to Leningrad in the winter of 1941. In this critical situation, it is extremely important not to lose vigilance, to remain disciplined and organized. No panic. Do not believe the lies and disinformation that the enemy spreads to break the strong will of the people of Artsakh.

Do not fall for rumors and panic sentiments; do not take rash actions. I assure you that the government is doing everything possible to rectify the situation as quickly as possible. The authorities of Artsakh and responsible bodies are in constant contact with the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces.

Under my leadership, an around-the-clock operational headquarters is functioning in the government. We have sufficient reserves of fuel and food. Currently, there is no shortage of medicines and essential goods. We are doing everything possible to prevent a humanitarian crisis and will provide you with accurate, up-to-date information about developments and emerging issues. The operational headquarters of Artsakh will regularly inform about the progress of the situation.

I appeal to our international partners: we need your unequivocal support to prevent a humanitarian disaster. Azerbaijan's actions are not only a gross violation of the trilateral statement of November 9 but also direct terrorism. The international community must decisively condemn Azerbaijan for violating all its international obligations.

One of the aims of provocations in the Lachin corridor is to discredit Russian peacekeepers. Azerbaijan is doing everything to prematurely terminate the mission of the Russian peacekeeping forces, which is responsible for ensuring the security of the people of Artsakh. I deem it necessary to increase the contingent of peacekeepers and expand their mandate. But, of course, first and foremost, we must place our hopes only on ourselves; Azerbaijan seeks to pressure us, weaken us, and rob us of hope. Let them know that we cannot be broken. This is our state, our homeland, and we will not leave it.”

For more details, watch the video.