Alexander Kananyan Ends Hunger Strike

Alexander Kananyan, who had declared a hunger strike since January 21 demanding the cessation of construction works of small HPPs in the Shahumyan (Karvachar) region of Artsakh, has ended his hunger strike. This was announced by Kananyan on his social media page.

“Dear compatriots, I am happy to inform you all that the first phase of the fight to suspend the construction of small HPPs, which disrupts the sustainable comprehensive resettlement and development of Karvachar and creates an environmentally disastrous situation, has ended. A representative commission has been established to examine the compliance of the existing small HPPs with the legislation and environmental standards,” he wrote.

“The under-construction small HPPs will be subject to scrutiny regarding their compliance with environmental requirements and legislation. This allows me to make the decision to end the hunger strike and to stand alongside my compatriots who have manifested their civic will for their rights.”

He wished success, will, and determination to the new commission to properly and responsibly carry out works before the nation and its conscience while avoiding unnecessary interference. “We all trust your prudence and conscientiousness and will closely monitor the commission to ensure it does not deviate from its professional obligations,” he added.

Kananyan reiterated that all the demands he formulated and that stem from the imperative of Armenia’s national security regarding the protection of Karvachar’s population remain fully in force and are unchangeable. “No new small HPPs will be built in Karvachar, and those that are under construction will be dismantled. There will never be a retreat from this demand. The existing HPPs as of December 1, 2019, will be subject to the strictest oversight and existing legal requirements.”

He urged the population of Kashatagh and all of Artsakh to manifest civic will and maturity like the residents of Karvachar, so that significant issues raised by small HPP constructions are thoroughly examined elsewhere, and effective solutions are found.

“From now on, the energy system of Artsakh, which is an inseparable part of the Republic of Armenia, must develop based on a responsible and comprehensive strategy, which will exclude the transformation of mountainous valleys into raw material appendages, but rather contribute harmoniously to the complete settlement of these areas and sustainable upward economic development.”

Kananyan expressed profound gratitude to all his compatriots who supported him in this first phase of the fight and joined him, especially to his fellow hunger striker Mher Paskhoyan, whom he also encourages to end his hunger strike and actively engage in finding solutions to this and other issues.

“Once again, my bow and respect to each of you, my esteemed and beloved compatriots.”