Apartment issues of refugees under the spotlight of the government

YEREVAN, MAY 17, ARMENPRESS:

International conference on co-financing and possible cooperation with donor organizations for ensuring apartments for the refugees settled in Armenia after being forcibly displaced from Azerbaijan was conducted today in Yerevan. Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres, representatives of international organizations participated in the event. The conference was chaired by the Vice Prime Minister of Armenia, Territorial Administration Minister Armen Gevorgyan. He recited the message of the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan addressed to the participants.

Welcoming the participants in his address, the president noted that throughout its history Armenian people were many times forcibly displaced. He said weeks ago Armenia was commemorating the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and many people stretched their hand of help to the Armenian people, among which is Fridtjof Nansen. This year the 150th anniversary of birthday of the Norwegian public figure will be marked. "We will never forget that being Highest Refugee Commissioner of the League of Nations, Fridtjof Nansen helped so many Armenians that escaped the genocide", the president said in his address.

"Unfortunately, in late 20th century Armenian people again became refugees. As a result of the policy of ethnic cleansing conducted by Azerbaijan more than half millions of Armenians were displaced from their homes in 1988-1992, 360000 of them settled in Armenia", the message said.

From 1992-94 about 72000 people had to abandon their settlements because of being bombed by Azerbaijan. The refugee issue sharpened after the 1988 disastrous earthquake and because of the difficult social-economic situation the newly-independent Armenia faced after its blockade.

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said all the resources were used for ensuring roof to peoples - hotels, rest houses, hostels, schools, administrative buildings were used with that aim. A number of refugees found shelter among their friends and relatives.

Today the majority of refugees are not placed in hostels. Poverty dominates, the unemployment level is 2-3 times more. The issue on ensuring apartments for refugees continues to be under the spotlight of the government. The head of the government said a number of steps have been undertaken to smooth the issue. Starting from 2001 the refugees can for free privatize the rooms they have occupied in hospels. Till today about 1200 families made use of it.

António Guterres noted that Armenia is trying to find acceptable solution to the issues of refugees and it must be supported.

"Years ago I had an opportunity to visit one of hostels of these people. Unfortunately they are living in very unfavorable conditions. It is unacceptable", António Guterres said. He added that they fully assist the call of the RA government made via this conference to make it possible to solve the apartment issues of refugees.