ArmInfo. The Armenia opposition bloc has issued a statement on the latest developments round Artsakh.
The residents of new Armenian settlements are facing evacuation as a result of Azerbaijan's military aggression and the Armenian authorities' defeatist policy.
"In fact, a specific date has been fixed, August 25, an the authorities responsible for that have not even stated their position. Azerbaijan is once again violating the trilateral statement by threatening the closing of the corridor and demanding the surrender of the adjacent settlements before the dates fixed by the document of November 9, 2022.
"None of the points of the statement stipulates surrender of settlements for road construction nor does the statement contain a point under which the new the new highway is to bypass Berdzor, Aghavno and Sus.
"This situation is, in fact, a manifestation of genocidal behavior in the light of international norms. Therefore, we are witnessing further gross violations of international law and obviously illegal demands. And the Armenian and Artsakh authorities' readiness to meet those demands at least serves as a basis for claims that we are once again dealing with agreements behind the people – 'verbal mutual understanding.' The announced deadline, August 25, is one more proof," the statement reads.
The Armenian authorities' inconsistent and vague policy results in lack of cooperation in any field – with the peacekeeping forces, OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs or international agencies.
"Armenian and Artsakh are suffering daily defeat because of the authorities symbolizing defeat, facing a threat of new irreparable losses. The Armenian people must unite despite all the dividing lines the authorities are drawing. The incumbent authorities, which are serving the Turkish-Azerbaijani interests, are actually implementing a programme of Armenians' evacuation from Artsakh," the statement reads.
Azerbaijan has presented an ultimatum demanding resettlement of the Berdzor, Sus and Aghavno residents until August 25, planning to close the highway running along the Lachin corridor, while an alternative highway has not yet been constructed. So Artsakh is facing complete isolation. Azerbaijan's ultimatum is in conflict with Point 6 of the trilateral statement Azerbaijan itself is referring to. The international community is silent about that. Earlier, Artsakh Minister of Territorial Administration Hayk Khanumyan discussed evacuation of the Aghavno, Sus and Berdzor residents with the Kashatagh residents and local authorities. However, the local residents will not leave.
Berdzor Mayor Narek Aslanyan reported that the Aghavno, Sus and Berdzor residents will receive housing certificates – AMD 8mln in case of moving to Yerevan and AMD 10mln in case of moving to other Armenian regions. Those wishing to purchase housing in Artsakh will receive AMD 12mln.
Under the circumstances, 56 residents of Aghavno applied to the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs for immediate and active interference and mediation by France and the United States for the village to be relocated in the new corridor zone (just 1,200 meters of the area) to avert a humanitarian disaster, which could deprive them of their way of life, homeland and even lives.