Aghdam Road Will Operate: Decision Made in Artsakh

The President of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, announced during a meeting of the Artsakh Security Council that a decision has been made to conduct trade via the Aghdam road. It remains unclear who made the decision. This was reported by the newspaper 'Hraparak.'

Recall that in July, European Council President Charles Michel welcomed Azerbaijan's proposal to provide a humanitarian corridor to Nagorno-Karabakh via Aghdam. This was also discussed at a UN Security Council meeting, which was not contested by the Armenian authorities.

According to the newspaper, the President of Artsakh is not putting the issue up for discussion but is presenting it as a fact. As it was predictable that this decision would provoke resistance, a mobilization of local militias has already been organized under the leadership of Karen Matheosyan. This armed group is expected to attempt to dismantle the barriers set up on that road in the near future.

Arayik Harutyunyan stated that trade through this route will be 'partial,' primarily involving the import of building materials, diesel, and medicines, while food will be imported via Lachin, with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers. However, this does not mean that the Lachin road will be fully operational; movement for residents of Artsakh will be limited.

Harutyunyan indicated that discussions regarding gas and electricity, which will also be supplied from Azerbaijan, are planned for the next phase. He presented Azerbaijan's actions as concessions, in exchange for which the operation of the Aghdam-Askeran-Stepanakert-Shushi road is demanded. This refers to the well-known bypass road in Artsakh that runs under the statue of the great-grandfather.

It has been decided that they will meet again in the near future to organize these matters.