Tigran Abrahamyan: Press releases from Russian peacekeeping contingent may confuse tourists visiting Artsakh
Expert in security issues, the head of "Henaket" analytical center Tigran Abrahamyan commented on Facebook the press statements regularly issued by Russian Defense Ministry about the activities of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"For several months already the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh has released official press statements about escorting Armenian pilgrims to Amaras and Gandzasar monasteries in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The people, who have not visited Artsakh after the war or those not familiar with the situation in the line of contact with the Azeri forces, may get the impression that Gandzasar or the road leading to it falls under Azerbaijani control or is dangerous the reason the peacekeepers accompany the pilgrim," Abrahamyan wrote.
In the words of the expert, despite the fact that some sections of Stepanakert-Karmir Shuka-Amaras road passes by Azeri positions, no official reports about incidents have been reported in the past period.
Abrahamyan also reminds that there is an alternative route to Amaras through Stepanakert-Nngi-Tchartar direction.
"To conclude, relevant bodies of Artsakh have to work with Russian peacekeepers and explain them that their press reports cause a little confusion which may result in fear and concerns among tourists visiting Artsakh," added Abrahamyan.