Sixty tons of the 100 tons of food sent to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) by the ‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund have been delivered. The issue of providing urgent humanitarian aid to Artsakh was discussed in December 2022 at an extraordinary meeting of the board of trustees of the foundation. The food was transported to Goris 2 weeks ago, but due to the blockade of the Lachin corridor, the cargo did not reach Artsakh. And just last week, more than half of it was shipped. According to Haykak Arshamyan, the foundation will continue humanitarian support to Artsakh, which has been besieged for two months.
Haykak Arshamyan (Executive Director of the ‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund) - We also have a new plan to donate such products to the Artsakh representation. Our hand is on the pulse, we are always in contact with Artsakh to understand and support. I assure you that the ‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund is doing a huge job in terms of humanitarian support. A total of $300,000, but we have more money, we are negotiating with the authorities of Artsakh, with which we can be extra useful.
In the near future, the fund will also donate essential medicines to Artsakh. Arshamyan did not provide details, but assured that a large batch of medicines has already been purchased. The executive director of the fund also referred to the large-scale housing construction in Artsakh, which was left incomplete as a result of the blocking of the Lachin corridor. 1,100 apartments and houses are being built in Artsakh through the foundation, of which 300 have been put into operation, and another 300 are almost ready.
Haykak Arshamyan - Those companies must first import building materials, at the same time, most of the workforce was coming from Armenia. Those people remained in the blockade. Constructions are currently frozen. We need to discuss, understand the mechanisms, understand how we can create opportunities for these construction projects to be completed.
The fund allocated 100 thousand euros to the Syrian Armenian community affected by the earthquake. According to Arshamyan, in Syria and Lebanon, the foundation implements programs for the preservation of Armenian educational institutions. They are in constant contact with the Armenian ambassador to Syria. According to Arshamyan, in case of need and for additional help, they are ready to start a small fundraising campaign.
Haykak Arshamyan - There are 22 Armenian educational centers in Syria, a kindergarten, a college, a school, we decided that they have about 1100 employees, we will provide financial support, and part of the money will be used to repair the damaged educational centers in Aleppo. There are 15 educational centers in Aleppo alone, support will be provided, some are in Damascus, Latakia, Kessab.
In 2023, the fund will continue development projects in various border communities of Armenia with a budget of $6-7 million. 4 dispensaries will be built in Syunik, Gegharkunik and Tavush with the financing of the Canadian local authority. A kindergarten is being built in Vardenis, a new music school is planned in Sevan. Berd and Noyemberyan hospitals will be repaired, outdoor lighting will be carried out in Berkaber.
