UNSC emergency meeting: France calls on Azerbaijan to comply with international commitments, open Lachin corridor

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS. France condemns the blocking of humanitarian aid sent by Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the obstructions of the ICRC activities by Azerbaijan, which contradicts principles of international law, Nathalie Broadhurst, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations said in her statement at the UNSC meeting.

She said that the blockade since December 2022 has led to a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The ongoing blockade of Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan continues to isolate the population of Nagorno-Karabakh from the rest of the world, without any lawful reason to substantiate it, and this contradicts principles of international humanitarian law,” she said.

“France condemns the blocking of humanitarian aid sent by the Armenian authorities in July to eliminate the consequences of the situation. The same goes for obstructions to the ICRC activities, which is in violation of principles of international law. This is unacceptable. Given the severity of the situation, France calls for unconditional and immediate restoration of unimpeded movement of goods and persons in both directions, as well as continual supplies of gas and electricity to the population,” the French envoy added.

France remains fully committed to the agenda of lasting and just peace in the region and calls for resumption of talks to resolve all outstanding issues, including the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. A solution is possible only through dialogue, ruling out the use of force or the threat of force, the French representative added.

Before the meeting, the French envoy delivered remarks to the press, and called on Azerbaijan to comply with its international commitments and to implement the provisional measures that have been indicated by the International Court of Justice in its February 22nd order.

"France is deeply concerned by the very serious humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor.

"The situation on the ground is dire, it continues to deteriorate day after day.

"That’s why it is crucial that the Council meets today to assess the situation. We look forward to the briefing on the humanitarian situation by OCHA.

"As indicated by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs yesterday, the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor contravenes the commitments undertook by Azerbaijan in the ceasefire agreement and jeopardizes the negotiating process.

"France calls on Azerbaijan to comply with its international commitments and to implement the provisional measures that have been indicated by the International Court of Justice in its February 22nd order. They are binding.

"We demand the restoration of free movement for people, for goods, for cargo throughout the Lachin corridor, in both directions. We request the continuous supply of gas and electricity to the population. It is also vital to ensure a continuous access to essential services for all the populations.

"France will intensify its humanitarian support to the affected population.

We have decided to make an additional contribution of 3 million euros to the humanitarian action of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

"France will continue to discuss the issue and to make sure that the Security council remains seized of the matter," she added.