Public Sector Employees Must Support Our Countrymen, Says Artsakh Prime Minister

The Minister of State of the Republic of Artsakh, Gurgen Nersisyan, has issued a call emphasizing that unity and solidarity demand personal responsibility and care for one another. Therefore, those receiving salaries from the state budget must support our compatriots who find themselves in difficult situations.

Here is the full text of the Minister's call:

“The four-month blockade of the Republic of Artsakh has caused numerous socio-economic consequences. People's basic social needs are being met with great difficulty through humanitarian shipments, while thousands have lost their sources of income. Although all citizens residing in Artsakh are equally affected by the blockade, significant differences exist in terms of social status and the feasibility of overcoming the blockade's consequences. The government has mitigated some of the social tensions caused by unemployment through various support programs; however, the issue remains acute for both those who have lost their sources of income and others belonging to vulnerable groups, such as displaced compatriots.

Ensuring social justice and equality is one of the main functions of the state, but I believe that especially in such severe circumstances, it is also crucial for citizens to provide additional support to the state. Naturally, the state budget includes and implements several social support measures, but the need far exceeds the capabilities.

Additionally, it is particularly important to demonstrate public responsibility and solidarity in crisis situations and to foster a higher environment of mutual assistance. In this situation, the most acceptable approach is to consolidate our capabilities and support one another, which requires that we—the employees of the public administration—take the first step, particularly those holding high-ranking public positions, because our income levels have been maintained under blockade conditions.

Therefore, I urge and call on those receiving salaries from the state budget, as well as our compatriots with sufficient financial means, to voluntarily transfer part of their salary income to the off-budget account of the Republic of Artsakh's government to support our compatriots who are in dire straits during the blockade and to take an important step towards ensuring social justice and public solidarity. I take on this responsibility first and direct 50 percent of my salary towards this goal.

I understand that my statement may rightly draw responses regarding corruption, embezzlement, the squandering of state funds, and the return of misappropriated public resources to the state budget; however, these require combined and prolonged efforts that are currently underway, and we have no right to leave our compatriots in distress waiting.

The collected funds will be utilized by the Artsakh Ministry of Social Development and Migration through established mechanisms for providing material assistance based on the assessed needs of the family or individual requesting support.

Transfers should be made to the following government account: 22300612211100, indicating 'support for needy families' in the purpose field.

If we want to be united and cohesive, let us take our step; let us prove to ourselves, our compatriots living outside Artsakh, and the Armenian diaspora that Artsakh is our great family, where no family member is abandoned or alone.”