WHO strongly condemns actions taking place in Lachin Corridor and Armenian border

YEREVAN, MAY 19, ARMENPRESS. Healthcare Minister Anahit Avanesyan held a meeting with World Health Organization (WHO) delegation led by WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge’s special envoy for Armenia Marthe Everard.

The delegation has strongly condemned the “actions taking place in Lachin Corridor and the borders of Armenia”, the health ministry said in a press release.

The WHO delegation noted that targeting medics is unacceptable.

A paramedic evacuating a wounded soldier was shot and wounded by Azerbaijani gunfire on the Armenian border on Wednesday.

The WHO officials said they are ready to use all diplomatic levers to condemn such actions.

Avanesyan thanked WHO regional director Hans Kluge for personal involvement in resolving the issue.

Issues related to deepening cooperation between Armenia and WHO ahead of the 76th World Health Assembly and technical support for quality reforms were discussed.

The appointment of the WHO representative and the upcoming meeting between Avanesyan and Kluge during the assembly will contribute to intensifying cooperation, the health ministry said.

Lachin Corridor – the only road linking Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world – has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan on 22 February 2023 to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has so far ignored the order.