The Armenian government has expressed readiness to extend the 40,000 dram financial assistance for displaced residents from Artsakh by an additional two months. This was announced by Nzhdeh Iskandaryan, head of the “Youth Wing of Artsakh” NGO and a member of the Council for the Protection of Artsakh Residents’ Rights, following a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan.
“We presented all our proposals again, but unfortunately our well-founded arguments for more sustainable solutions were not accepted. We, in turn, did not accept their proposals either, but there was some common ground. We were told that the government is ready to extend the 40,000 dram aid for another two months. So, it’s a partial step back, but there's no talk of increasing it to 50,000 dram,” Iskandaryan stated, as reported by CivilNet.
This is the third meeting between the Council members and Deputy Prime Minister Khachatryan.
“The government is ready to form expert groups and discuss issues related to the social assistance and housing programs,” Iskandaryan added.
Prior to the meeting, the council members had planned to hold a rally but decided to postpone it for two to three days following the discussion with the deputy prime minister.
“We will announce our next steps in two or three days,” said Nzhdeh Iskandaryan.
He also emphasized that the tent set up in Freedom Square will remain in place and its removal is not being considered. Iskandaryan added that the government does not intend to revise any of its already adopted decisions.
As of April 1, the rental assistance program for displaced Artsakh residents was significantly reduced. Known as the “40+10” program, it covers 40,000 dram monthly rent and 10,000 dram in utility payments per person.
On March 29, during a mass rally in Freedom Square, the Council for the Protection of Artsakh Residents’ Rights presented a 12-point demand list to the Armenian authorities and international bodies. The demands included halting the reduction of rental support and launching a new housing initiative.
