Within the framework of the Warsaw Security Forum, Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan participated in 'Global Order and Democracy: a map for the South Caucasus' high-level discussion. The Foreign Ministry presented Minister Mirzoyan's answers, in the framework of which the efforts aimed at their proper reception in Armenia as a result of the forced displacement of the Armenian population from Nagorno-Karabakh in September last year were also addressed.
We present that part of the Q&A below:
Anja Wehler-Schock: Let’s zoom in a little bit. The conflict around the Karabakh region has been a driver of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan for decades and little more than a year ago, following the offenses by Azerbaijan more than 140.000 people were displaced and found refuge in Armenia. How has Armenia managed to take in this massive influx of people?
Ararat Mirzoyan: Well, first, in terms of only receiving the refugees, displaced population of Nagorno-Karabakh, it was a huge challenge. I think, for any government in the world, it is quite a challenge to receive more than 140.000 refugees in 2-3 days. We did our best to meet the immediate needs of these people, give them shelter, food, and some essential things. Of course, we applied to the assistance of the international community and we appreciate all the assistance we achieved. Now, it is time for the next stage I would say, we need to somehow satisfy and meet the mid-term and longer-term needs and first of all, here I’m speaking about the housing problem but also employment and bigger efforts would be needed here. Our policy is that if there is no means, no possibility, no opportunity for these people to go back to their homes, then our policy is to make every possible effort to ensure that these people are integrated in the society of the Republic of Armenia, they find the job and build new homes in our country and stay in Armenia.
