MP: demand remains return to Artsakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - Artsakh National Assembly member Metakse Hakobyan said the main demand of displaced people remains unchanged — return to Artsakh — following a meeting with residents in Armavir.

She shared her remarks on Facebook, outlining key concerns raised during the discussion.

She noted that social problems, similar to those in other provinces, are systemic and effectively unresolved.

“We state that purchasing an apartment or house with a certificate is impossible without additional funds. Construction is practically excluded, while applying to banks involves collateral requirements that are an insurmountable obstacle. In reality, the housing issue for small families remains at a dead end.

The employment issue also remains unresolved, continuing to be one of the most serious challenges facing Artsakh Armenians. This is compounded by the imposition of ‘citizenship,’ which the current authorities have not only enforced but also deliberately complicated.

Our proposals remain unchanged: these problems can be resolved only if Artsakh Armenians are considered a separate social group — forcibly displaced persons — and needs assessments are conducted accordingly.

Beyond social issues, it is also unacceptable to divide Artsakh Armenians through pre-election processes, especially when those with jobs are subjected to pressure.

And most importantly, as in all our meetings, including in Armavir, the demand is clear and unchanged — return to Artsakh,” Hakobyan said.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive against Artsakh, subjecting the region to massive shelling. A day later, on September 20, the authorities accepted a ceasefire proposal from the Russian peacekeeping command, agreeing to Baku’s terms, including disarmament and dissolution of Artsakh institutions.

As a result, 223 people were killed, including 20 civilians, six of them minors. From September 24, the forced displacement of Artsakh Armenians began, with more than 100,000 people relocating to Armenia. According to some data, about 20 Armenians remained in Artsakh, most of whom later left, while one died and another was detained.