The border delimitation near the village of Kirants in Armenia’s Tavush region highlights a pressing crisis for local communities, raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being. Kirants’ precarious location near the Azerbaijani border, coupled with the contentious issue surrounding the bridge and road that intermittently cross into Azerbaijani territory, poses significant threats to residents. The Armenian government’s surrender of this critical infrastructure to Azerbaijan has left villagers vulnerable, forcing them to coexist with Azerbaijani forces just 200 meters away. Such an arrangement is fraught with risks, as tensions could easily escalate into violence.
Recent developments in 2024, marked by President Aliyev’s acceptance of borders outlined in the 1991 Alma-Ata Protocol, have further complicated matters. His insistence that Armenia return control of four Azerbaijani villages—despite their lack of any permanent population—appears less about territorial claims and more about neutralizing Armenian defense lines in the region. This shift in Azerbaijan’s stance indicates a broader strategy to undermine Armenian security and encroach further upon its territory, threatening not only Kirants but also other border areas.
Armenia’s Cadastre Committee has released a new map of Kirants village in the Tavush province, following Pashinyan’s controversial decision to surrender several areas, including parts of Kirants, to Azerbaijan as part of the ongoing border delimitation process.
Kirants resident… pic.twitter.com/vi8eCWuIRf
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) August 9, 2024
During a recent visit to Kirants, local residents expressed fears about the deteriorating security situation. Villagers reported a lack of meaningful engagement from government officials, noting that representatives from the ruling Civil Contract party visited but failed to address their concerns or provide reassurance. One villager lamented the ineffective security measures, stating that barbed wire and walls do not offer true protection. This sentiment was echoed by another resident, who highlighted the psychological toll of living under constant threat from Azerbaijani forces, saying, “We are in a very terrible situation,” reflecting widespread uncertainty about the village’s future.
The 301 team recently visited Armenia’s northeast province, capturing the reality of the situation in Kirants. They documented the newly installed border wall built near the village’s school, observed that certain statues had been relocated, and sought to portray the underlying tensions and risks faced by the community.
The implications of the Kirants’ situation extend beyond this single village. The potential for similar pressures to be applied to other border regions in Armenia is a growing concern. Areas like Syunik and other vulnerable borderlands, which already experience heightened tensions and sporadic violence, could face increased instability if Azerbaijan continues its aggressive tactics. This pattern of behavior raises alarms for all Armenian border communities, as they could become targets of Azerbaijani expansionism under the guise of territorial negotiations.
Starting today, the interstate road passing through the village of Kirants is closed.
Eyewitnesses report that patrolling officers are redirecting all traffic to the alternative route through the village of Acharakut, which is already paved and undergoing parallel construction.… pic.twitter.com/gdUFgMUB3c
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) July 10, 2024
In Kirants, residents voiced their anger and grief over the government’s handling of land concessions and compensation issues. Many feel that those who accepted compensation for land have dishonored the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives defending it.
The psychological toll on the residents of Kirants is significant. Living in such close proximity to Azerbaijani forces fosters a climate of fear and insecurity, with residents constantly aware of their vulnerability. The threat of sniper fire, harassment, and potential military confrontations deters locals from cultivating their lands or participating in community activities, leading to a deterioration in their quality of life. An elderly resident expressed skepticism about the possibility of peaceful coexistence with Azerbaijani neighbors, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
The plight of Kirants exemplifies the fragility of Armenia’s territorial integrity and the ongoing challenges faced by its border regions. The situation requires urgent attention, as the risks of further territorial losses, economic disruption, and increased violence loom large. Without concerted efforts to bolster security and negotiate favorable terms to ensure the safety of border communities, Armenia risks losing more than just land—it could lose the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
As the world watches these developments, addressing the issue’s urgency cannot be overstated. It is imperative for the Armenian government and international actors to work collaboratively to safeguard the rights and security of border communities like Kirants and mitigate the broader threats posed by Azerbaijan’s aggressive policies. The future stability of Armenia’s borders—and the safety of its citizens—hinges on immediate and effective action to counter these existential challenges.
