VIDEO: Schools in Artsakh to Close Starting Tomorrow, Vardanian Urges Against Panic

The Minister of State of the Republic of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanian, addressed the cessation of gas supply from Azerbaijan during a live broadcast and urged residents of Artsakh to approach energy consumption with caution in order to maintain their standard of living.

The minister noted that due to the gas supply interruption, schools that rely on gas heating will not be operational starting tomorrow.

In his Telegram channel, Ruben Vardanian wrote, "Dear compatriots, you are well aware of the difficult situation we are in. On December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan once again closed the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to 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 brink of a humanitarian disaster. However, it is impossible to break Artsakh. Azerbaijan does not hide that its ultimate goal is the ethnic cleansing or complete extermination of the Armenian people in Artsakh. The current situation once again indicates that there are no security guarantees for Artsakh and its people within Azerbaijan. Only the threat of aggression from Baku exists, along with a pretext for continuing the war of 2020. 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 to not lose vigilance, to remain disciplined and organized. No panic: do not believe the falsehoods and disinformation spread by the enemy aimed at breaking the steadfast will of the people of Artsakh. Do not succumb to rumors and panic-driven sentiments; do not engage in thoughtless actions.

I assure you that the government is doing everything possible to resolve the situation swiftly. The authorities of Artsakh and responsible agencies are in constant contact with the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces. Under my leadership, an operational headquarters is functioning around the clock at the government. We have sufficient reserves of fuel and food. Currently, there is no shortage of medicines and essential goods. We are doing everything we can to exclude a humanitarian crisis and will provide you with true, up-to-date information on developments and emerging issues. The operational headquarters of Artsakh will periodically inform you about the situation's developments.

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

One of the goals of the provocation in the Lachin corridor is to discredit the Russian peacekeepers. Azerbaijan is doing everything possible to prematurely terminate the mission of the Russian peacekeeping forces, which is intended to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh. I find it necessary to increase the contingent of peacekeepers and expand their mandate. But, of course, we must first place our hopes solely on ourselves; Azerbaijan seeks to pressure, weaken, and deprive us of hope. Let them know that we cannot be broken. This is our state, our homeland, and we will not leave from here."

Details can be found in the video.