Mrs. Teymurazyan feels ignored and humiliated
There are nearly 50,000 people living in the Tavush region and most of the men have left for work abroad. Unemployment is higher in Ijevan, the center of the region.
Those who haven't left for work abroad are mainly involved in small trade. The wine factory with its seasonal employment doesn't decrease the rate of unemployment.
Only professionals whom residents must go to, such as doctors, are unemployed in Ijevan.
"People try not to go to the hospital regardless of their condition. I am a lung doctor and have 16 patients, but my patients are from all levels of society," said lung expert at the Ijevan hospital Hasmik Teymurazyan to "A1+".
There are five members in her family. "My husband is the breadwinner in our family. He is busy with different crafts and does everything so that our two daughters receive their education in Yerevan."
Mrs. Teymurazyan's daughter Lilit is trying to find a job in Yerevan and doesn't want to go back to Ijevan. But employment is not enough for the Teymurazyan family.
"As a citizen, I feel less dignified. My family was not rich during the days of Ter-Petrosyan's administration, but at least we didn't feel so ignored and humiliated."
Mrs. Teymurazyan leaves for Yerevan a couple of days early to participate in the opposition's rallies. "I haven't really been in politics and dream of the day when I will only think about politics during elections."
Residents of Ijevan have a hard time finding opposition papers and they have to reserve them in advance. Political views are sometimes fatal for residents. For instance, Samvel Mailyan was village head for 10 years, yet now he is unemployed.
