VIDEO: Kiranq to be Almost Completely Surrounded by Azerbaijani Forces - Prospects

Arman Tatoyan, former Human Rights Defender of Armenia, writes: "The prospect of border changes in the Tavush region announced by the Armenian government indicates that the village of Kiranq will be almost completely surrounded by Azerbaijani forces, resembling a narrow peninsula. Additionally, the grazing lands, gardens, and other lands will fall under Azerbaijani control or be targeted.

Kiranq will be deprived of its main road, and the alternative route proposed for the village will be under Azerbaijani military observation. The road leading to Achajur will also be under the scrutiny of Azerbaijani armed forces.

Parts of the road leading to Voskepar will come under Azerbaijani control, while the 7th-century Surb Astvatsatsin Church in Voskepar will be situated almost on the border line, making it impossible for people to visit the church due to its direct location as a target of Azerbaijani forces.

In Voskepar, Kiranq, and other villages, civilian homes will fall under Azerbaijani control. Azerbaijani armed personnel periodically fire at vehicles on the interstate road section in Baghanis. As the announced changes by the Armenian government move forward, they are coming closer to the road.

The villages of Azatamut, Kayaran, Aygehovit, and Vazashen will be deprived of access to the road, leading them to isolation. Kayaran will lose vital conditions and alternative routes, which will cause it to cease to exist as a settlement.

Due to the closure of the road passing through Kayaran, Aygehovit and Vazashen will face serious economic and security challenges. After the border changes in Aygehovit, the village will lose its lands and grazing areas, thus the residents will no longer have the opportunity to engage in agricultural activities, which will either vanish or significantly decrease.

The lands comprising Vazashen, part of the territory of Armenia, continue to remain under Azerbaijani occupation. The question of the highland called Satlmish will come to the forefront. If Azerbaijani armed personnel occupy this highland, they will gain direct control not only over Azatamut, Achajur, Sevkar, Sarigyugh, Berkaberd, and Tsaghkavan but also over the interstate road connecting Yerevan, Ijevan, and the state border of Armenia.

The issues in Voskepar will not be limited to the currently existing roads. This area also contains strategically and vitally important gas pipelines and internet connection cables for Armenia.

Furthermore, the drinking and irrigation water sources in Voskepar will also fall under Azerbaijani control. The residents will be forced to leave their homes and settlements.

The border changes in Voskepar pose a serious threat to the population of the entire region of Armenia. The interstate road in general will be endangered."