Artsakh Faces Humanitarian Disaster, Says Speaker of Artsakh Parliament

For the third consecutive day, the only highway connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outside world is closed. This was stated in a declaration by Arthur Tovmasyan, the Speaker of the Artsakh Parliament.

“Honestly, I felt pain when the factions of the National Assembly of Armenia issued separate statements due to the current situation. In circumstances where Artsakh is facing a humanitarian disaster, where the people living in Artsakh are deprived of gas supply, where patients with serious health issues are deprived of necessary medications and health services, and where the supply of food and essential goods has been disrupted, and where kindergartens and schools have suspended their normal operations, I believe that all factions of the Armenian parliament should have expressed their concerns and condemnations regarding the recent provocations by Azerbaijan over Artsakh in a united statement.”

“We find it pointless to continuously repeat the provisions of the 6th point of the November 9, 2020 tripartite declaration, which Azerbaijan not only fails to abide by, but also grossly violates and undermines the peaceful and secure life of the people living in Artsakh under any unfounded pretext.”

Ruben Vardanyan, the State Minister of Artsakh, stated in an interview with the newspaper “Kommersant” that it is essential to open an “air corridor” and operate the Stepanakert airport. “In such conditions, where the only land route is closed, the opening of an 'air corridor' is the best alternative for preventing humanitarian disaster.”

“Small Artsakh does not pose a threat, but its people's right to live and exist is endangered. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed concern regarding the closure of the only highway connecting Armenia and Artsakh. He calls on the parties to ensure uninterrupted traffic through the corridor, in accordance with previously reached agreements.”

“The civilized world should be concerned about what is happening in Artsakh today. The people of Artsakh, who are facing a humanitarian disaster, fundamentally need targeted statements. Various peoples and nations around the world suffer from genocide, and for the Armenian people, this is a thing of the past, the present, but not the future.”

“All Armenians must understand what they are losing and what they stand to gain. In this situation, we do not even have a few tricks up our sleeves. The people of Artsakh have made their heroic decision to build a democratic country and live in conditions of dignified peace, but not forced peace.”

“We are deeply grateful for the calls and condemning statements from various countries and international organizations regarding the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh; however, concerns and calls are not enough; we need effective and visible actions. I believe it is said correctly: it does not matter who is against you, what matters is who is next to you.”

“The people, organizations, allies, or our brothers and sisters in Armenia, the global Armenian diaspora must realize that the conflict in Artsakh has turned into a deadly conflict.”

“Dear compatriots, Artsakh should not be sought in the region or in foreign states. Artsakh is within us all; this is something we all must understand. And if each of us searches for that dignified world within ourselves, discovers it, no one can force us to live in a coerced country.”

“The government and opposition in Artsakh are a single body, no matter how much they try to wear us down, threaten us, or terrorize us, people who deserve attention and respect will live and will continue to live in this sacred land.”

“I am convinced that we will receive as much as we esteem ourselves. I am happy to live in Artsakh. Every working day opens for me with the feeling that it is the last one in earthly life. At this moment, I feel the emotions of living and sacrificing for the homeland closely identified within me. Life is a boomerang and a struggle,” the statement reads.