During a meeting with reporters, the mayor of Shushi said that the population of Artsakh is unexpectedly facing many problems.
“The word ‘refugee’ already says everything. Around 99.9 percent of people left everything behind and only took the clothes they were wearing because they didn’t know what was happening. They thought they were only leaving for a few days. They thought everything would be resolved and they would return home soon. However, unfortunately, that’s not what happened. There are many questions attached to their livelihoods, such as food, clothes, and more. Yes, there are many organizations and kind people who are helping, but that doesn’t resolve all problems. It’s unfortunate that the rent prices in Artsakh and Armenia are skyrocketing. Yes, there is state assistance, but that is not enough for people to pay their utilities. There is another problem. Men between 18-58 years old cannot make use of the 68,000 + 15,000 AMD plan. I have spoken about that several times. They’re saying that these men should go and work. But where, if there is nowhere to work? There is also the issue of 300,000 AMD. The residents of Shushi and other towns in Artsakh that are now under Azerbaijani control can make use of that. However, the system mentions only people who have lived in Shushi for at least three months. How can they confirm if the person has lived there for three months or if they’re short ten days? But they still left behind their homes, furniture, and belongings. What will happen to the people who are not eligible for the 300,000 AMD plan? They still consider me to be the head of their city, so they still come to me with issues.”
He continued, “The people of Artsakh are very grateful, and they are thankful to everyone who provided them shelter, even if they had to pay for it. But how long can our brothers and sisters in Armenia wait? Some of them are already telling people that they have a few days to vacate the premises. These are issues that need to be resolved. The people of Artsakh didn’t leave their homes willingly. Since the past 30 years were peaceful, people built their homes. Specifically, the people of Shushi renovated their apartments, and the state also provided assistance. And if the state was assisting them, they took out loans. The people who came to Shushi these past few years spoke about it with awe because it was becoming even more beautiful. It was being built up and turning into a real city,” Artsvik Sargsyan said.
Ashot Hakobyan
