Iranian Workers Brought to Artsakh Amid Acute Employment Issues

In the Astghashen community of the Askeran region of Artsakh, Iranian passport holders have recently been brought in for construction work under the government housing program. The number of workers of unknown origin is currently not very large—around two dozen—but their presence has caused concern among locals. They are perplexed as to why foreigners have been employed when employment issues in Artsakh have become particularly acute, especially following the war.

Astghashen community head Artur Grigoryan confirmed that foreigners are participating in the ongoing housing construction in their community. “They say they are Persians,” he said, and did not answer questions about when they arrived or whether they are staying in the village or commuting. When asked if there are suspicions that the Iranian passport holders might be Azerbaijanis, he replied, “I don’t know that either; ask the construction company or the government, let them answer all those questions. I do not have such authority.”

The media outlet was unable to reach either the Minister of Urban Development of Artsakh or the press secretary of the president for comment. It should be noted that the developer is “Kapavor” company, whose owner Arman Hakobyan is close to President Araik Harutyunyan and is responsible for 70% of construction works in Artsakh, winning tenders. It is also said that he is a partner of Khachatur Sukiasyan, a businessman favored by the Armenian authorities. His cousin is the director of the NSS of Artsakh and has previously been the police chief. Throughout the war, he and Kyaramyans have been shadowing Harutyunyan. This means that it is unlikely that Harutyunyan is unaware of their activities,” writes the newspaper.

The full article can be read in today’s edition of the newspaper.