Creating a Housing Program Solely for Those Displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh Will Cause Tensions, Says Pashinyan

Implementing a housing support program exclusively for forcibly displaced individuals from Nagorno-Karabakh could lead to tensions within the community, as citizens of Armenia also face housing issues. This statement was made today by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a press conference.

While discussing the housing support program, he emphasized that it is currently in the public discussion phase. In other words, the 'design' is in its preliminary stage, but the final decision will be made after listening to and analyzing various opinions.

"Our logic is as follows: if we implement this program solely for those forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, it may create tensions among the public. There are people who face the same issues yet are citizens of Armenia. We want to develop a program that will also be accessible to Armenian citizens. Our compatriots displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh should receive Armenian citizenship because, without it, tensions may arise. People might argue that they are not receiving housing despite their children serving in the Armenian army, while others supported by the state budget do not have to serve in the Armenian Armed Forces," said the Prime Minister.

Regarding the budget amount, he noted that 3 million drams is considered as the base amount, on which various coefficients may apply. Pashinyan mentioned that these coefficients could vary, including for families of multiple children, the families of fallen soldiers, or those with other statuses. They might also depend on the localities, for example, having three different options.

The Prime Minister also added that he receives letters from displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh and, through reading them, understands that there are misconceptions regarding certain issues. He reassured that discussions about the "40,000 + 10,000 dram" program ending soon are incorrect. He emphasized that the program will be extended at least until the end of the year, and they will consider future plans thereafter.