If the Road Doesn't Open, We Will Find Ourselves in a Terrible Situation: Shushi Administration Head

For more than half a year, the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, the Lachin corridor, has been closed. On December 12, 2022, Azerbaijanis closed the road under the false pretext of environmental concerns. This is reported by Hetq.

On April 23 of this year, a border checkpoint was also established at the Armenian border. After the establishment of the checkpoint, residents of the villages of Yeghdzahogh, Hin Shen, Mets Shen, and Lisagor in the Shushi region have found themselves in a double blockade, cut off from both Stepanakert and the possibility of traveling to the Republic of Armenia.

In an interview with us, the head of the Shushi administration, Grisha Hovhannisyan, stated that the last time medical supplies, food, and essential goods were delivered to Hin Shen was 15-20 days ago. Currently, negotiations are underway through the International Committee of the Red Cross to deliver medication and food to the besieged villages.

According to the administration head, long-term blockade, without the possibility of humanitarian aid being transported from Armenia to Artsakh, will soon lead to a humanitarian disaster. "It is true that some types of fruits and vegetables have started to be grown in Artsakh, but naturally, that quantity is insufficient, and if the road does not open, we will find ourselves in a terrible situation. At this moment, there is no shortage of food in the villages, but the stored quantity may soon be depleted, which is why negotiations are being held to send a new shipment. There is currently a need for certain types of medication, and the need for medication for those with chronic diseases may soon be felt very acutely," emphasized Grisha Hovhannisyan, adding that the only solution is the complete opening of the road.