Residents of Martakert and Askeran Districts leave villages to Azerbaijan

Villagers from the Martakert and Askeran Districts of Nagorno-Karabakh have completely left the territories that since November 20 are under Azerbaijan's control. Refugees managed to take only the most necessary things and have not yet received new housing.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that villagers of the Martakert District were given only a day to get evacuated before the transfer of these villages to Azerbaijan. In 1992, most local residents had already to leave their native villages, which came under the control of Baku.

Samson Arutyunyan, who had lived here since 1998, was the last to leave the village of Nor Maraga in Karabakh. This village is near the village of Maraga, which was also taken under the control of the Azerbaijanis in the 1990s. "This is our next exodus," said the man.

His family is ready to stay in Nagorno-Karabakh, if the authorities provide them with housing anywhere in the region, although they still have concerns. Russian peacemakers cannot provide security for Karabakh residents, Mr Arutyunyan believes.

There is not enough room for all the refugees: Stepanakert should accommodate refugees from Shushi and Gadrut; therefore, those from the Martakert District and a number of villages of the Askeran District need to find housing within the part of Askeran District that remains under Karabakh authorities.