TENSE SITUATION IN TAVUSH: ‘The church should not be desecrated by Turks, I am ready to blow myself up’

A tense situation has arisen in Voskepar. Attempts are being made to remove mines located not far from the church, but local residents are trying to prevent this from happening. Police are urging people to step back, warning them that it is dangerous to remain in the area, as the mines could explode.

“They are coming to destroy our church. Just kill us, let’s finish this immediately. You have taken us 30 years back, do you want us to go back even further now? Tell them not to do it. Where can we go from our land? Aren’t you Armenian? You are giving our land away, why are you doing this? How would you feel if a Muslim were to demolish our church?” the residents told the police and the personnel conducting the mine clearance.

When the police urged them not to create a conflict, the locals responded: “How can we follow the orders of the enemy, Nikol? They are removing the mine so that the Turk can enter our homes; you are executing Nikol’s orders.”

The police again urged: “People, do not advance, there are mines everywhere.”

“Let it explode; it’s better to die with dignity. They are clearing mines and giving our land as a gift to the Azerbaijanis. Call the ones who applaud, let them come and applaud here. The one who gives orders is a traitor; the one who executes a traitor's command is a double traitor,” the gathered Voskepar residents stated.

Police Major Arthur Lopyan, who was supervising the site, told the protesting locals that their actions were for the safety of the people. He noted that the mine clearance is not being conducted by them, that they should stop. The mine clearance workers continue their operations. Later, special forces from the National Security Service wearing black uniforms arrived in the vicinity of the Voskepar church.

It should be noted that the interstate road in the Kiran community of Tavush has been closed for the third day after a statement from Vice Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan’s office announced that an agreement had been reached with Azerbaijan regarding border demarcation and delimitation works. A map was also published, indicating that part of the Kiran area will fall under Azerbaijani control.

Currently, the people of Voskepar are not allowing the clearance of the area located a short distance from the church. This church dates back to the 7th century. Following the demarcation, it will fall under Azerbaijani control.

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