Nagorno-Karabakh to introduce ration stamps

YEREVAN, January 9. /ARKA/. The Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) authorities will introduce a ration stamp system because of the ongoing blockade of the only road linking it with Armenia by Azerbaijan. According to Nagorno-Karabakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, the ration stamp system will allow distributing food as proportionately as possible.

According to the Nagorno-Karabakh governmental press service, the switch to the ration stamp system will be made in the coming days.

After meeting with heads of government agencies Vardanyan said the difficulties caused by the blockade have not broken the spirit of the people.

During the discussion of cash flow problems, the State Minister said the problem should be resolved within the existing possibilities. There will be explanatory work among the population, so that they do not withdraw large amounts of cash and do not store cash.

The Lachin corridor, which is the sole road linking Karabakh with Armenia has been blocked by Azerbaijanis since December 12. Azerbaijanis pose as “environment activists” raising the alarm about “eco-terrorism” in Karabakh caused by ‘illegal’ operation of local mines.

In the meantime, 120,000 people in Nagorno-Karabakh are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis, including 30,000 children, 20,000 elderly people and about 9,000 people with disabilities.

Some 1,100 people, including 270 children and 350 people with disabilities and health issues, cannot return to their families from Armenia. One person died due to the impossibility of transportation to Armenia, a 4-month seriously ill baby and 13 adult patients were transported to Armenia by the ICRC, 10 thousand tons of humanitarian cargo were transported from Armenia to Armenia through the ICRC and 18 people (including 8 children) need medical assistance in Armenia.

Stocks of food, medicine and fuel are running out. Shops receive goods only from government funds. -0-