Newsletter of the Artsakh Government – Day 75 Under Blockade

Artsakh kindergartens opened on February 23 after being closed for an extended period due to the blockade

Given the recent restoration of gas supply and resolution of the school lunch issue for these institutions, all kindergartens in the Republic of Artsakh resumed teaching on February 23.

Longer-day school programs remain closed due to the continuing food shortage resulting from the blockade.

A government meeting was held under the leadership of Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan 

The head of state discussed the military-political and socioeconomic situation created in the Republic as a result of Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh and the measures being taken by the authorities to solve the ensuing problems. 

During the meeting, President Harutyunyan also made a decree dismissing Ruben Vardanyan from his position as State Minister. He praised Mr. Vardanyan’s efforts both in raising international awareness about Artsakh and in solving numerous internal problems during the blockade.
President Arayik Harutyunyan delivered a speech during the meeting.

President Arayik Harutyunyan participated in a constitutionally-prescribed legislative-executive question-and-answer session at the Artsakh National Assembl

The head of state and members of the government responded to questions from deputies and explained the steps being taken to resolve the issues caused by Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh.

Arstakh’s Foreign Minister met with former foreign ministers of Armenia and Artsakh 

On February 22, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan met with former RA foreign ministers Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Ara Ayvazyan, as well as former Artsakh foreign ministers Arman Melikyan and Karen Mirzoyan.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the situation created by Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh, possible means to overcome this situation, the status of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict settlement process, and issues relating to enhancing Artsakh’s subjectivity.

Update of daily statistics

5 children are in the neonatal and intensive care units of the children’s hospital.

5 adult patients are in the intensive care unit, 1 of whom is in critical condition.

287 children have been born under the blockade.

About 720 people have been deprived of the opportunity to receive necessary medical treatment due to suspensions of planned surgeries in all medical facilities of Artsakh.

As of today, 113 patients have been transferred from Artsakh to Armenia to receive appropriate medical care with the mediation and accompaniment of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

755 business entities (17.7% of the total) have suspended their activities due to the impossible operating conditions under the blockade, while the remaining operate partially or with state support.

At least 5,100 people have lost jobs and sources of income as a result of the impact on the economy.

More than 29,600 tons of vital supplies, which would have been delivered during the period of the blockade, have not reached Artsakh. Only a meager amount has since been delivered by the ICRC and the Russian peacekeeping forces.

Key facts

Since the beginning of the blockade, many countries and international organizations have condemned Azerbaijan’s actions and called for the lifting of the blockade. The issue was also discussed in the UN Security Council, the European Court of Human Rights obliged Azerbaijan to take all necessary and sufficient measures to end the blockade. The issue has also been discussed in the UN’s International Court of Justice (The Hague) within the proceedings of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade of Artsakh.

https://mailchi.mp/fb44e0ae1549/day75en