Beglaryan's Observations on the Resumption and Subsequent Interruption of Gas Supply from Armenia to Artsakh

Artak Beglaryan, the advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, has made several observations regarding the resumption and subsequent interruption of gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh.

“1. Yesterday (July 8), Azerbaijan unexpectedly resumed gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh, surprising the authorities of Artsakh and the ‘Artsakhgas’ company, but shortly after, it was interrupted again. 2. We can only speculate about the reasons for this resumption, as we do not have sufficient information. One thing is clear: there has been no communication on this topic with the Artsakh side. 3. The main goal of this step may have been to somewhat reduce external pressure at a specific moment, but I am sure that the Azerbaijani authorities had several other objectives in mind, such as creating permanent uncertainties and various rumors and doubts among the population of Artsakh through sudden disconnections and connections, as evidenced by today's interruption. I do not rule out the criminal intention that the unexpected resumption of gas supply after a continuous 109-day halt could lead to additional incidents and human losses. 4. Especially considering the aim of stirring feelings of uncertainty and helplessness, we must be aware and always psychologically prepared that Azerbaijan can unexpectedly resume and interrupt gas supply at any moment. In such conditions, we must refrain from creating additional internal informational-psychological turmoil, whether in the case of resumption or interruption. Based on this consideration and taking into account the uncertainty of the situation, the authorized bodies did not rush to publish official information about the resumption yesterday.

5. Since June 15, fuel has not been supplied to Artsakh at all, along with other essential goods, and serious problems have already arisen regarding internal mobility. This is why the resumption of gas supply would somewhat alleviate people’s hardships in terms of internal mobility and organizing daily life, but the main issue remains the blockade itself. 6. In any case, the Azerbaijani authorities must realize that they cannot take away our natural rights through deprivations of gas, electricity, fuel, food, and other essential goods, nor can they break our spirit and will for freedom. 7. The complete siege of Artsakh, interruptions of electricity and gas supply are manifestations of crimes against humanity, which means that the international community must urgently and practically eliminate these violations and prevent further deepening of the humanitarian disaster. One of the mandatory forms of this implementation is the recognition and protection of our right to self-determination, as the humanitarian disaster is merely a consequence of the political rights and freedoms of our people being repressed,” wrote Beglaryan.

It should be noted that today the Artsakh information headquarters announced that the gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh has been resumed. However, hours later, Azerbaijan shut off the valve on the Armenia-Artsakh gas pipeline again.