Local authorities urge to arm villagers in Syunik Region of Armenia

After the definition of the Armenian and Azerbaijani positions, the roads in the Syunik Region of Armenia became unsafe; local residents should be allowed to carry weapons in case of possible incidents, the heads of dwelling settlements have stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 18, Armenia demanded to transfer the heights near Kapan to Azerbaijan; and Armenian militaries left their positions. Residents of the Syunik Region took part in protest actions, noting that this would lead to a decrease in security in the region. If the Azeri militaries invade the Syunik Region, Russia will intervene in the situation, Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister, has warned in his turn.

Gevorg Parsyan, the Mayor of Kapan, has highlighted problems for residents of the city and the nearby settlements. He has noted that Azerbaijani militaries "are located 100 meters from the villages of the Syunik Region and a kilometre from the city of Kapan," which makes these dwelling settlements vulnerable.

The agricultural lands of Agarak have passed to Azerbaijan; and the village occurred in a partial blockade, said Aik Saakyan, the head of the local administration of Agarak.

Sasun Sargsyan, the head of the Uzhanis village administration, said that due to the placement of Azerbaijani posts near the village, local residents are forced to use an alternative road, which they had not used for decades. Besides, the road is in poor condition, and the journey along it takes an hour instead of the earlier 10 minutes.