Parts of Gegharkunik, Syunik and Vayots Dzor Armenian provinces paralyzed due to Azerbaijani aggression- minister
YEREVAN, Oct. 5. /ARKA/. Parts of Gegharkunik, Syunik and Vayots Dzor Armenian provinces are paralyzed or close to being paralyzed, following Azerbaijan's aggression against these provinces on September 13-14, when they managed to invade parts of these regions, Armenian Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan said today.
"I visited Sotk, Jermuk and Yeghegnadzor to understand what investments need to be made to reactivate economic life there. It is clear that if the Azerbaijanis do not return to their positions, the situation will worsen," he told reporters Wednesday.
The minister noted that the amount of economic damage caused by the invasion has not yet been calculated.
"Several thousand hectares of land will not be cultivated, tourist life has stopped in Jermuk, a famous spa center in Vayots Dzor. But we haven't lost any settlements, we haven't lost any big, serious businesses. Even the Sotk gold mine continues to work," Kerobyan said, noting that there is no ready action plan at the moment.
In a related development, the Jermuk Tourism Development Center said hotels in Jermuk were resuming operations after a nearly 20-day hiatus.
"To have a strong army, secure borders and a prosperous life, you need to work and develop the economy and tie people to their land. Our army needs a strong home front. We are returning to normal life and we look forward to all our friends in our city. It is necessary for the development of the economy of the country and Jermuk itself that we spend our money domestically. That is why we invite everyone to enjoy Jermuk in autumn and make their contribution to the city's revival,' the Center said in a statement.
According to official data, around 200 houses have been damaged by Azerbaijani shelling in addition to administrative buildings, auxiliary premises, agricultural structures and guesthouses.
Around midnight on September 13, the armed forces of Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack in the southern and southeastern directions of the Republic of Armenia, encroaching on the territorial integrity of Armenia.
The aggression was carried out with the use of artillery, mortars and UAVs. According to official information, 207 Armenian citizens, both military personnel and civilians were killed and went missing, 293 servicemen were wounded, 3 civilians and 20 servicemen were taken captives (17 of them were repatriated on Tuesday with the mediation of the United States). -0-
