Only 10% of those forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh have managed to purchase housing in Armenia under a state support program, while about 25,000 people have emigrated from the country, Artsakh State Minister Nzhdeh Iskandaryan said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

Speaking about the results of programs implemented by the Armenian government since 2023, Iskandaryan noted that a significant portion of displaced persons has not been able to benefit from state initiatives.

On March 18, during the “Inclusive Development, Achievements and Tasks” forum, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that since 2023, about 145 billion drams have been allocated from the state budget through various programs to address the needs of those displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Iskandaryan said that following the forced displacement in 2023, the Armenian government had not cooperated with the Artsakh authorities in any format to help alleviate the problems of displaced people.

“From the very first day, we said there are numerous issues with the housing program. It is clear to everyone that there is no settlement in Armenia where families of two or three can purchase housing with 5 or 10 million drams. It should also be emphasized that people must have employment opportunities in the given settlement. When we speak about a program to settle Artsakh residents together in the same community, they argue that this generates strength,” he said.

The government has also implemented programs aimed at promoting entrepreneurial activity for residents of Artsakh.

However, according to Iskandaryan, these initiatives have not been practically accessible or applicable for them.

“Let them publish data, and we will try to understand how many Artsakh residents have managed to start a business in Armenia with funds allocated by the government. At least, I do not know such a person in my circle,” he added.

Regarding obtaining Armenian citizenship, Iskandaryan said the issue is largely emotional. Some believe they are already citizens because they hold the same passport, while others fear that by taking this step they may lose their connection to Artsakh and their status as forcibly displaced persons. He argued that by declaring the Artsakh issue closed and not emphasizing the right of return, Armenian authorities are effectively serving the interests of Azerbaijan and Turkey.

According to data published by Labor and Social Affairs Minister Narek Mkrtchyan, as of February 1, 4,404 families had received housing purchase certificates, of which about 2,000 had already bought homes.