During the discussion of the situation in Armenia’s Syunik Province on Friday, opposition Bright Armenia faction head Edmon Marukyan said that the people of the region have deep concerns about their safety.
"What should we do from now on to offer our compatriots a safe environment in Syunik Province, so that the people of Syunik keep standing firm on their land? It is obvious that if the fears persist, we will witness emigration from Syunik," said Edmon Marukyan, addressing Mayor of Kapan Gevorg Parsyan.
In response to the deputy's question, the mayor stressed the importance of deploying border guards on both sides along the whole border in Syunik.
"And it is important that no regular troops be stationed behind the border guards. A demilitarized zone must be behind the border guards. This will help prevent clashes. In addition, you, as MPs, can introduce a legislative initiative related to arming our village men. In that case, our villagers, our citizens will gain additional confidence. For instance, at present there are complicated procedural issues related to purchasing weapons from a hunting shop. Even to cross the Kapan-Goris road, people must have confidence, and one of the measures to build it is to have weapons. Therefore, you can ease the procedure for acquiring weapons,” Parsyan said.
According to him, men from border villages in Syunik should be armed. In that case people will gain confidence and will know that they can defend themselves, he added.
"Also, you, as lawmakers, should urge the Ministry of Defense to pay close attention to Syunik. We need the attention of the Ministry of Defense, both in terms of firearms and the regular army," the mayor stated.