At the presentation of the “Report on the Assessment of Artsakh’s Economic Losses Due to the Blockade” held in Yerevan, international public finance management consultant Vardan Aramyan was asked by journalists: “How long will Artsakh’s economy and budget withstand this blockade? Will there be a problem with providing benefits and pensions?”
He answered: “If this lasts more than half a year, we will have a problem. The budget will focus only on priority expenses, such as pensions. If Armenia gives 144 billion annually, then, in my opinion, it will be enough for minimum social expenses. I will not say the rest. There are still homeless people in Artsakh. Housing construction will stop, and social tension will deepen.”
Grigory Martirosyan, Head of Artsakh projects of the “We Are Our Mountains” territorial development agency, also emphasized that more than half of Artsakh’s budget is spent on the social sector, and the money provided by Armenia will be primarily directed to the provision of salaries, pensions, and benefits. “In this situation, the main source remains the budget loan from Armenia, which must be revised together with the government of Artsakh. I think the government is doing this work with Armenia.”
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Ruben Vardanyan, the former State Minister of Artsakh, expressed his opinion that the only option left is to turn to international organizations and Russia so that Artsakh will receive support on a charitable basis.
“Artsakh needs international help. Just providing food becomes something like a camp. About thirty thousand children grow up and receive education here. Artsakh is not only a state but also an important problem solver for the development of future generations.”
Luiza Sukiasyan
