ArmInfo.Within the framework of the working visit to Syunik region, President Armen Sarkissian, together with Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, visited the City Hall of Goris, where he met with the head of the Goris community Arush Arushanyan, the head of the Sisian community Artur Sarkisyan, the head of the Khndzoresk Yervand Malunets, the head of the Artashen community Armen Khachatryan and the head of the Karaunj Lusine Avetyan.
According to the press service of the head of state, Sargsyan noted that the visit to Syunik was planned for a long time, but the coronavirus infection forced him to postpone it.
"Today I came first of all to see with my own eyes, to hear from you personally about the problems and to think about how I can help," the president said.
The community leaders presented to the President the situation and problems that have arisen since the war, the key of which are related to security and demarcation.
It was also noted that the residents of the border communities of the region, whose main occupation is animal husbandry, are currently deprived of the opportunity to use pastures, even some lands that are privately owned, since they have come under the control of Azerbaijan. This complicates the already difficult socio-economic situation.
Unemployment was mentioned, in particular the difficulties encountered in Goris in the field of tourism, as well as problems related to infrastructure. The meeting also discussed the possibilities of the Presidential Institute to help solve problems.
Answering the questions and touching upon the issues raised, Sargsyan noted that he will try to provide maximum assistance in resolving the issues raised within the framework of the powers of the Presidential Institute.
Meanwhile, the press service of the Ombudsman's office notes that the restoration of the rights of the village residents, which were violated due to the direct presence of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the village, is a priority issue in the Khnatsakh community of Syunik region. For security reasons, the villagers cannot use their land and gardens, as well as pastures. Because of this, people are deprived of a family source of income. In other words, their vital socio-economic rights were violated.
In addition, other internationally recognized rights to life, health, and physical and mental integrity of civilians are at risk. The current situation is also problematic in terms of the interests of children and their safety.
Referring to the meeting with the heads of a number of communities in Goris, the Office of the Ombudsman pointed out that the presence of Azerbaijani servicemen near the villages of the Syunik region has no legal grounds and is illegal.
"This conclusion has specific legal grounds that make their presence generally illegal. The Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia has repeatedly said this.
The position of the President of the Republic of Armenia is important in terms of the fact that there is uncertainty in the border issue, and this situation violates the rights of the villagers.
Therefore, it is obvious that a security zone should be created in Syunik that guarantees human rights, " the press service of the Ombudsman concluded.