Russian Astravel resumes tours to Nagorno Karabakh

 February 17, 2012 - 12:45 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Astravel company resumed tours to Nagorno Karabakh. This is not the first time this company organizes trips to Artsakh, what naturally sparked another wave of “discontent” in Baku which thinks it can interfere with Artsakh’s domestic issues.

“Information about organization of trips to Nagorno Karabakh by the Russian Astravel company is provocative. This is not the first time this company organizes such tours. Last time trips were cancelled due to efforts of relevant bodies. Most likely, similar measures will be taken this time as well. The Foreign Ministry will address Azerbaijan's embassy in Russia to contact the management of Astravel company. In a word, we are launching our investigation,” Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev told Echo paper.

The Russian Astravel travel company organizes historic and culture trips both to Armenia and Artsakh. The company announced the trips on its website saying during the 7-day and 6-night long trips tourists can visit Armenian cities and also Nagorno Karabakh, in particular Shushi and see their cultural and historic monuments.

Astravel has been established in 1992 as a commercial enterprise. Founders of the company were activists of the Travelers’ Association bringing together professional tourists.