Supply of natural gas to Artsakh households to be restored shortly- government

YEREVAN, March 16. /ARKA/. An Azerbaijani repair team began today the repair of a section of the natural gas pipeline in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) that was damaged earlier, reportedly by a failure, the Artsakh government reported.

It said the Azerbaijani side agreed to repair the section after more than a week-long talks supported by the Armenian government and Russian peacekeepers.  The pipeline ships natural gas to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia.

According to the Nagorno-Karabakh government, the gas supply will be restored in a short time.

'The Artsakh authorities are making every effort to make this happen as soon as possible. At the same time, we call on all consumers to be vigilant and ensure that there is no gas leakage during the restoration of gas supply and emergencies," the government said.

Since the beginning of March, Azerbaijani troops have been shelling the border villages of Artsakh more intensively, including with mortars and large-caliber weapons. One civilian was wounded. The troops have been also demanding through loudspeakers that the Armenian population of villages located near the line of contact leave their homes.