Newsletter of the Artsakh Government – Day 81 Under Blockade

Azerbaijani armed forces fired at citizens carrying out agricultural work in the Martuni region

On February 28, around 4:55 p.m., Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire targeting a civilian resident, 53-year-old A. Avanesyan, who was carrying out agricultural work with a “Jonder” brand tractor in the area of “Asfalten tak” in the administrative area of ​​Berdashen village.

Azerbaijan once again violated the ceasefire agreement on March 1 around 2 p.m. in the area of “Davala” in the village of Berdashen where Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire from firearms towards 59-year-old S.Vardanyan, a resident of Berdashen community who was carrying out agricultural work with a “Belarus” brand tractor. In both cases, agricultural operations had to be stopped.

Materials were prepared and presented to the Russian peacekeeping troops by the Martuni regional police department.

The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh issued a comment on the meeting of the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan

On March 1, with the mediation of the commander of the peacekeeping troops of the Russian Federation in Artsakh, a meeting of the representatives of the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held.

During the meeting, humanitarian issues were discussed in the context of the need for the immediate opening of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. With the mediation of the Russian peacekeeping troops, such meetings between the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, at different levels, have been held for the purpose of discussing technical, humanitarian and infrastructural issues.
The participants of the meeting did not discuss issues related to the political status of the Republic of Artsakh. Comments made by Azerbaijan proceeding the meeting, do not correspond with reality or the results of the meeting. The Republic of Artsakh remains committed to the choice of the path of self-determination and independence of its people, which was passed in 1991 during the referendum vote.

Such discussions organized for the purpose of solving urgent issues, in particular, the lifting of the blockade of Artsakh, cannot replace full-fledged peace negotiations, which are necessary for the comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict. We proceed from the need to restore the international mediation format as an important guarantee of the irreversibility of the peace process. We emphasize once again that the position of the Republic of Artsakh remains unchanged, that the results of the illegal use of force and the threat of force by Azerbaijan cannot be a starting point for the establishment of peace, stability and security.

The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh and the “Tatoyan” Foundation published a joint report, presenting violations of the rights of children in Artsakh as a result of the blockade.

The report addresses the health, psychological and social problems created for the children of Artsakh as a result of Azerbaijani illegal blockade.

As a result of the 81-day blockade and the deliberate disruption of vital infrastructures, such as gas and electricity supply, 30,000 children of Artsakh are experiencing deprivation, which undermines their ability to live and develop in a safe and secure environment.

The report was sent to international institutions and organizations dealing with the protection of children’s rights. The current situation puts the best interest of the children at stake and requires priority attention and immediate involvement of these institutions.

President Arayik Harutyunyan introduced the newly appointed state minister of the Republic of Artsakh

A government meeting was held on March 1 under the chairmanship of Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan. The Head of the State introduced Gurgen Nersisyan, the newly appointed state minister of the Republic of Artsakh, to the participants of the session.

In his speech, President Harutyunyan noted that the State Minister will have a wide range of powers, all ministries will operate under his coordination, except for the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Internal Affairs, and he will have the freedom to develop and conduct personnel policy within the scope of his coordination.

The chairmanship of the Board of Trustees of the Artsakh Investment Fund and Village and Agriculture Support Fund will also be transferred to State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan.

President Harutyunyan received the members of the Council of the Public Television and Radio Company of Artsakh

On March 1, President of the Republic of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan met with members of the Public Television and Radio Company Council of Artsakh.

The Head of the State wished fruitful work to the members of the Council and Samvel Balayan, the newly elected Chairman of the Council, expressing hope that their activities will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the TV and radio company and developing the information field in Artsakh.

State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan convened a consultation with the participation of Stepanakert mayor and heads of administrations

The Minister of State noted that balanced territorial development is one of the priorities of the Artsakh Government and the main condition for success in food, energy security and other issues of strategic significance is effective management.

As a priority, reference was made to the course of spring sowing and issues of the acquisition and supply of the required volume of diesel fuel and seeds were discussed.

Update of daily statistics

1 child is in the neonatal and intensive care units of the children’s hospital.

7 adult patients are in the intensive care unit, 3 of whom are in critical condition.

308 children have been born under the blockade.

About 750 people have been deprived of the opportunity to receive necessary medical treatment due to suspension of planned surgeries in all medical facilities of Artsakh.

As of today, 135 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 32,000 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 UN’s International Court of Justice (The Hague) discussed the issue within the proceedings of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and ordered Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded movement through the Lachin Corridor. The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade of Artsakh

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