Protesters Claim Demining Operation Underway Near Voskepar Church Amid Tense Situation in Armenia

Protesters in Armenia's northern Tavush province are claiming that a demining operation is underway near the 6th-7th century Church of the Holy Mother of God in the village of Voskepar.

The situation has become tense as hundreds of residents from border villages in the region have been holding protests and blocking a key national highway for three consecutive days, opposing the government's decision to hand over four border areas to Azerbaijan as part of a border delimitation agreement between the two countries.

The protesters, including the head of the local Armenian Apostolic Church diocese Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, argue that the areas in question are strategically important and that the handover would deprive them of access to agricultural land and make them more vulnerable to Azerbaijani attacks. They claim the demining work near the historic Voskepar church is intended to prevent subversive attacks by Azerbaijani forces and is preparation for surrendering the territory to Azerbaijan.

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan has refuted rumors that the Voskepar church may fall under Azerbaijani control, stating that it will remain in Armenian territory after the delimitation process. However, this has not assuaged the concerns of the local residents. Riot police have cordoned off the church to prevent the protesters from disrupting the ongoing demining operation, further heightening tensions.

Why this matters: The protests and tense situation in Tavush province highlight the complex and sensitive nature of the ongoing border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. The potential handover of territory and its implications for local communities have sparked strong opposition and raised concerns about security and access to important sites.

Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan expressed concern that the authorities are trying to make the administrative heads of the villages accomplices, stating "if we fail to win, then we are renegades like everyone else." The opposition has also condemned the border delimitation deal, with protesters urging the authorities to immediately halt the demining work. Deputy chief of police told Archbishop Bagrat that while they are conducting operations to protect the area and ensure security, they do not have any other information. The situation in Tavush remains tense as the local community continues to resist the demining operation and potential land handover.

Key Takeaways

• Protesters in Armenia's Tavush province oppose demining near historic Voskepar church.
• Residents claim demining is preparation to hand over border areas to Azerbaijan.
• Deputy PM refutes rumors church will fall under Azerbaijani control after delimitation.
• Protesters urge authorities to halt demining, fearing loss of land and security risks.
• Tense situation highlights complexities of Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process.