The blow dealt to the economy of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) during the recent war unleashed by Azerbaijan is comparable to the volume of its GDP for several years. Artsakh State Minister Grigory Martirosyan said in an interview to RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

“The damage inflicted by the enemy is simply enormous. Now work is underway to assess it in monetary terms, but we can already state that it is comparable to the volume of the republic’s GDP for several years. This primarily affects such sectors as agriculture and energy,” Martirosyan said.

According to the minister, after the recent military conflict in Karabakh, the population of the country has found itself “on the brink of a humanitarian crisis.” The damage caused by the hostilities primarily affected infrastructure facilities and private property of citizens, Martirosyan said.

“Our economy has been deprived of agricultural lands and energy facilities due to the retreat of Armenian forces from most of the territories or the occupation of them by the enemy during the hostilities. Not to mention that most of the citizens’ property – real estate, personal and agricultural equipment – has either been destroyed or left in areas outside our control,” the Artsakh official said.