Life in Occupied Stepanakert: Shops Open and Guests Welcomed

The newspaper 'Hraparak' reports that approximately 500 Azerbaijanis are currently living in occupied Stepanakert, mainly military personnel, those involved in waste management, construction workers, and police officers who ensure the cleanliness of the city. This increase in activity follows recent visits to Stepanakert by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who has started organizing delegations and tours.

Residents remaining in Artsakh share that currently 70 apartments are being renovated for some Azerbaijani families to move into what are ostensibly their 'homes.' Shops have already opened in Stepanakert, and gas stations have been installed. One liter of gasoline is being sold for approximately 190-200 drams, which is double the price compared to what it costs in Armenia, converted into Azerbaijani manat.

For the remaining Artsakh residents in Stepanakert, the Red Cross is providing an amount equivalent to 200 dollars each month to help them cover their expenses. It is noteworthy that only about 17-20 Artsakh residents are still in Stepanakert. In recent times, there have been significant internet connectivity issues in the capital of Artsakh, making it difficult for these individuals to connect with relatives in Armenia.