15 Residents of Berdashen, Including the Mayor, Unable to Return Due to Blockade

Fifteen residents of the Berdashen community in the Martuni region of the Artsakh Republic have been unable to return to their village for nearly a month due to the closure of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia by Azerbaijan. This was reported in an interview with the local deputy mayor, Armen Abalyan.

“The mayor and his family members are also stuck in Yerevan. I am temporarily carrying out the mayor's duties. During these days, residents are approaching the municipality with various issues, mainly a lack of food,” said Abalyan.

According to him, today, oil, pasta, and other essential goods have been provided to village shops by the Artsakh Republic Agricultural Support Fund, so that people can make purchases. A few days ago, they received sugar; each family received 1 kilogram, while larger families received 2 kilograms.

“We have two families in the village that require special care. Firewood has been provided to them by the regional administration, and the ICRC has delivered necessary medications,” the deputy mayor added.

Speaking about the autumn planting works, Abalyan mentioned that they have completed the sowing of wheat and barley. “There are residents who could not finish the autumn planting due to a lack of diesel fuel. We have appealed to the regional administration and are waiting for them to provide the fuel,” Abalyan summarized.