We Must Be Prepared for All Possible Developments: Vardanyan

The State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh and head of the operational headquarters, Ruben Vardanyan, held an extended consultation today with the participation of heads of state bodies. Presenting the current situation created as a result of Azerbaijan's blockade of Artsakh, Vardanyan noted that during these winter days, Azerbaijan is practically obstructing energy supplies from Armenia.

“The situation is complex, and I want to thank our society for enduring all the difficulties. We have numerous issues related to both food and medication. In the last two days, the issue of electricity has also emerged. Azerbaijan is not only preventing the delivery of food and medicine but is also obstructing specialists from visiting the accident site to restore electricity supplies,” the minister emphasized, highlighting the importance of using internal resources efficiently.

The private sector is also facing a difficult situation, as the blockade has plunged the economy into crisis, with many people losing their jobs. According to the State Minister, Azerbaijan's policy is clear: to achieve the exodus of the Armenians from Artsakh through pressure.

“But we are fighting for our right to live in our homeland, on our land. It is very encouraging that our people accept this approach. However, this requires us, as leaders, to be honest and open with the people and to understand the serious nature of the situation,” the minister stated.

He introduced the newly appointed ministers: Sergey Ghazaryan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh; Srbuhi Arzumanyan, Minister of Justice; Armen Mangasaryan, Minister of Social Development and Migration; and Aram Sargsyan, the reappointed Minister of Urban Development.

“I do not want to congratulate the newly appointed ministers; instead, I want to thank them for taking on responsibilities in this extremely difficult situation,” the State Minister noted.

He pointed out that the government is using all tools—diplomatic, legal, and informational—and is continuing to make every effort to open the roads. However, he also noted that as a government, they are obligated to be prepared for all possible developments.

He drew attention to the fact that the blockade significantly changes people's lifestyles by enforcing savings and restrictions, and the life of the population cannot remain as it is under normal circumstances. The State Minister emphasized the importance of awareness and explanatory work among the population, as well as the direct meetings and communication of officials and operational staff members with the people.