The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s upcoming Telethon will be dedicated to raising financial support for the construction of the Vardenis-Martakert Highway. The third project of its kind to be carried out by the fund, the Vardenis-Martakert Highway is expected to be a boon to the further socio-economic development of Artsakh and Armenia alike, says the statement issued by the Fund.
Today it would be hard to exaggerate the crucial role which the Goris-Stepanakert and North-South highways have had in the growth and improved living standards of both republics. The Goris-Stepanakert Highway, which links Artsakh to Armenia, and the North-South Highway, often described as the backbone of Artsakh, have enabled the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund to accelerate the development of infrastructure (including water and gas pipelines and networks) as well as the construction or renovation of schools, clinics, hospitals, and cultural institutions throughout the cities and villages of Artsakh.
The Vardenis-Martakert Highway likewise will be of key economic and humanitarian importance. By functioning as a direct road link, the highway will become a second lifeline between northern Armenia and northern Artsakh, significantly cutting down travel times, boosting the economies of scores of Artsakh communities along its path, stimulating inter-community ties, and vastly improving geographic access for implementing local development initiatives. Currently the only land-travel link between Artsakh and Armenia is the Berdzor community, through which passes the Goris-Stepanakert Highway.