UNSC meeting: Japan calls for unimpeded humanitarian access,Brazil calls for urgent solution to existing situation in NK

YEREVAN, AUGUST 16, ARMENPRESS. Humanitarian access must be unimpeded for international organizations, Japan said at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“We took note of the letters by Armenia and Azerbaijan distributed to the Security Council. The arguments of both sides offer different explanations,” Kimihiro Ishikane, Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN said in his statement. “However, safeguarding local livelihoods must be the utmost priority. The lives of the most vulnerable, including the sick and chronically ill, elderly, women, infirm and children, must not be threatened. We recall the Secretary-General’s concern over reports of continued challenges to the freedom of movement along the Lachin Corridor and the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground. The ICRC is currently facing difficulties to bring humanitarian assistance to the civilian population through the Lachin Corridor or any other routes. It is calling on the relevant decision makers to let it resume its essential humanitarian operations in the area. Humanitarian access by international organizations must be unimpeded. We urge all parties to grant access as soon as possible.

In addition, the ICJ indicated provisional measures on 22 February 2023 related to ensuring unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridorin both directions.We reiterate our consistent position that the rule of law must be upheld and that any nation must abide by international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. The final settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is crucial for peace and stability in the Caucasus region. The Security Council, which is tasked with maintaining international peace and security, should be committed to this issue. Dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan is important. We hope that it will allow issues related to their dispute to be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law,” he added.

Brazil also called for dialogue.

The Brazilian envoy to the UN said in his speech that an urgent solution must be found to the current situation because it could further deteriorate in the next months.

Brazil is concerned with reports on deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Brazilian envoy said.

“Brazil reiterates its commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan as part of their internationally recognized borders, but fundamental principles of human rights must be taken into account during tightening of border control, in order to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians,” he said.

Brazil also called for maintaining channels of dialogue between the parties, as well as adhering to the terms of the ceasefire agreement. He said that the UNSC must closely follow the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh and express maximal support.