“We see daily helicopter flights, this is not friendly or partnership”: Minister to Russian peacekeepers

Participants of the popular movement from Artsakh are gathered near the Stepanakert airport, the location of Russian peacekeepers. They have issued a statement demanding that the Russian peacekeepers open the road for life. Following this, Artsakh State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan addressed the gathered Artsakhtis, asking them whether there is anything better than unity.

He then stated that they have come to present the demands of the Artsakh people to the Russian peacekeepers and their command. “No one doubts that the Artsakh people are a type that appreciates any kindness shown to them and represent it multiple times. Since the war, the Artsakh people have always expressed their gratitude to the Russian peacekeeping forces. And today we are here with one demand: open the road to life in Artsakh and allow the artery of Artsakh to function. We want to live here, educate our children and grandchildren, do we want more?” he raised the question.

Gurgen Nersisyan noted that if any party to the trilateral statement fails to fulfill its obligations, it does not mean that the dire consequences should be borne by the Artsakh people. “It is not at all friendly, amicable, or partnership for Artsakh to be in complete blockade while we see daily helicopter flights; this is not friendly or partnership at all,” said the official from Artsakh.

The State Minister informed the participants of the popular movement that a few individuals would meet with the commander of the Russian peacekeepers, Alexander Lentsov, and that they would inform the Artsakh people about the details of the discussions, after which they would determine their next steps.

It is to be recalled that prior to this, participants of the rally were near the ICRC office in Stepanakert, where they demanded the ICRC present the full reality of the situation in Artsakh to all international organizations.