YEREVAN, January 13. /ARKA/. The Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) government's press service said the 120,000-strong population is practically deprived of an uninterrupted power supply after the only high-voltage electricity grid from Armenia has been interrupted due to a fault (or act of sabotage) in Azerbaijani-controlled territory.

Azerbaijani authorities prevent the Artsakh electricity company from repairing the fault. Artsakh is providing for itself with a few small hydroelectric power plants by scheduling repeated daily blackouts to save energy. 

State Minister Ruben Vardanyan asked local power distribution company to submit proposals on transition to energy saving mode and maximum reduction of electricity consumption.

The problems of citizens who lost their jobs because of the economic situation and the suspension of enterprises were discussed at a meeting of the special task force. Vardanyan said the government will accept proposals on how to deal this problem as well.

A report was presented on introduction of the ration stamps, which is expected to come into force from January 20.

The only road connecting Artsakh and Armenia has been blockaded by Azerbaijan since December 12, 2022. Before the blockade about 400 tons of food was supplied to Artsakh from Armenia daily.

About a thousand people (including several dozen children, have been separated from their families.

All planned surgical operations are suspended. After pressure from the ECHR, following the death of a seriously ill person in a Stepanakert hospital, and thanks to the mediation of the International Red Cross, some patients are being transferred by special convoys to medical centres in Armenia.

Pharmacies are running out of stocks of all medicines.  Fuel is running out, food is running out and shops are empty. Kindergartens are closed because it is not possible to provide food for children

Since 12 January, the cable for the internet connection has been sabotaged at the Azerbaijani blockade along the Lachin corridor. Thus, 120,000 people (including 30,000 children and 20,000 elderly) are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis. -0-