Berdzor townspeople claim there's no prospect for life in the city

The Armenian population of Berdzor, who will decide staying in the city after the transfer of the Lachin Corridor, will still be forced to leave, the local residents interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe. According to their version, the city is unsafe, despite the presence of Russian peacemakers.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Lachin District is the last of the three districts to be occupied by Azerbaijan according to the truce agreement.

The exodus of Armenians from Berdzor is foregone, Manvel Pogosyan, a resident of Berdzor, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "And even if Armenians decide to stay, then in three years (when Berdzor and the Lachin Corridor will be transferred to Azerbaijan after the construction of a new road linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh), not a single Armenian will stay here. What is the sense to protract? What to wait for? We're in complete uncertainty. We're no longer deciding our fate," Mr Pogosyan has concluded.

He cannot imagine living together with Azerbaijanis. "We lived together in the USSR, but even then, the Azerbaijani leadership did everything to force Armenians leave their homes. This is how Nakhichevan became empty of Armenians. Moreover, the USSR no longer exists; and such unbearable conditions will be created very quickly that whether you want it or not, you'll have to leave," the man has explained.

Ashkhen Stepanyan believes that the problem is not what will happen in three years; the problem is that it is already unsafe staying in the city.

"The process of disbanding local structures is underway in the city. For example, the hospital building has already been transferred (to Russia). It is not known how the building will be used, whether they will make their base or a hospital there. The city kindergarten doesn't work. If the city already has, in fact, no police, how can we stay there?" Ms Stepanyan has asked.

Peacemakers are on duty on the road, but they will not be able to ensure our safety, the woman believes.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on December 8, 2020 at 02:17 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.