Vardenis-Martakert highway re-opened temporarily
Residents of Armenia’s Gegharkunik marz have reopened Vardenis-Martakert highway after keeping it closed for several hours. Residents of some 15 communities of Armenia’s Gegharkunik marz had closed the highway since early morning as a sign of protest against the government’s plan to consolidate communities. The protesters agreed to re-open the road after they were promised a meeting with the regional governor and prime minister. “If we do not receive a positive answer, we shall close it again,” said one of the residents. They demand that the government cancel the decision to consolidate communities. Under the bill, 21 communities of the marz will be consolidated with Vardenis town. The point is that there are many refugees in more than 20 communities who moved to Armenia in the 90s and these people do not get well with others, have a different culture and lifestyle and do not want to have another village headman,” our interlocutor continued.
