Azerbaijani settlers manage to delay repayment of electricity debts

After the action of forced migrants in the Bilasuvar District of Azerbaijan, the power supply to their houses was restored; while the authorities have postponed the repayment of their debts.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 22 forced migrants from the Jabrayil District staged a protest in the Bilasuvar District. Nine policemen suffered while dispersing the rally; three activists were detained.

One of the oppositional activists from the Bilasuvar District told the "Caucasian Knot" on the condition of anonymity that about a hundred settlers came out to the action.

According to his story, now the situation in settlements is calm.

"Electricity supply is resumed; but people fear that it may be stopped again. The settlements have no gas supply; therefore, they heat their houses with electric appliances," the activist has added.

This information was confirmed to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Arif Farzaliev, the de jure head of the administration of the Jabrayil District.

"The settlements have no gas supplies so far. We have a cold winter this year; and people heat their houses with electric appliances. Many of them have debts. Therefore, the Imshlin regional grid has stopped the power supply. Some people have protested against this," he explained.

The two parties held talks; the electricity supply was resumed, Mr Farzaliev has continued: "According to our agreement, people will repay their debts by instalments; and there will be no outages."

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.