We Can Preserve Artsakh by Finding Non-Standard, 'Alternative' Solutions: Ruben Vardanyan

In an effort to realize a policy of ethnic cleansing, Azerbaijan continues its pressure on the population of Artsakh. This was stated by the former state minister of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanyan, in a Facebook post: "For the 8th day, Artsakh has been living under complete blockade. Here, we receive neither medication, nor essential goods, nor food. The functioning of all vital infrastructures has also been disrupted. Since January 9, the only high-voltage power line connecting Armenia and Artsakh has been cut off due to Azerbaijani intervention, gas supplies from Armenia to Artsakh have been interrupted, and it has become nearly impossible to move between the regions and the capital, Stepanakert, due to the lack of fuel.

In this seemingly hopeless situation, I would like to talk about a small project that brings warmth. The agency 'We are Our Mountains' has launched a new initiative in Artsakh, under which solar water heaters will be installed in over 70 kindergartens and health facilities in Stepanakert, Martuni, Martakert, and Askeran. This means that regardless of power and gas cuts, these essential social institutions will have hot water through alternative means—thanks to solar energy. This is yet another project that has been conceived amid the blockade. It is a small-scale initiative, but it neutralizes the impact of Azerbaijani efforts for at least 70 institutions.

By citing this example, I want to say that we can. We can withstand, we can preserve Artsakh, if we act wisely, finding non-standard, 'alternative' solutions, strong responses that are not symmetrical but powerful enough to compel the adversary to consider us. Everything is in our hands," he wrote.