We Expect a Significant Influx of Artsakh Residents, Says Gegharkunik Governor

We have a substantial base of free accommodations and houses in Gegharkunik, and we expect a significant influx of Artsakh residents. We are confident that we will be able to provide them with shelter. This was stated by Gegharkunik Governor Karen Saroyan in an interview with 'Pastinfo.'

He noted that due to security concerns, he could not specify an exact number of the accommodations allocated nor how many people from Artsakh have already relocated to Gegharkunik.

In response to a question from the media about whether the displaced residents of Artsakh are primarily being settled in border communities, he replied that this is not the case: "Accommodations are allocated in all communities; there are relatively few free shelters in border settlements. In other words, we have not focused on any single settlement. First and foremost, we consider the social situation of individuals, their preferences, and we are trying to organize the process while taking their opinions into account."

Former mayor of Geghamasar and resident of Sotk, Hakob Avetyan, mentioned that currently, no displaced individuals have been transported to Sotk. "For now, they are bringing people to Vardenis, accommodating them in the cultural house, and later they will be moved to separate houses in the communities. There aren’t many free houses in Sotk, but as far as what we have, we’ve offered them. I have two houses as well; they are old and not in the best condition, but I am still willing to provide them," he stated in an interview with the media.

He noted that people who were previously residents there predominantly prefer to come to Gegharkunik.