UNSC meeting: 'Crucial that ICJ order is respected to ensure unimpeded movement along Lachin Corridor' – United Kingdom

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS. The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned at the ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor, UK Ambassador to the UN James Kariukisaid in his statement at the UNSC emergency meeting on the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the Azerbaijani blockade.

“The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned at the ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor, which threatens the supply of life-saving medication, health care, and other essential goods and services – resulting in humanitarian consequences for the local population.

“It is therefore crucial that the ICJ order of February 2023 is respected to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions.

“We strongly urge parties to allow the ICRC access along all available routes – including via the Lachin corridor – for the organisation to be able to undertake its vital work. All parties must refrain from the politicisation of humanitarian aid in order to meet the needs of the civilian population.

“We warmly welcome the ongoing, internationally-mediated negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan toward a historic peace agreement, hosted most recently by European Council President Michel last month. We also welcome the efforts of the United States in this regard, with high-level engagement from Secretary Blinken.

“We urge all parties to redouble their efforts in these talks towards a lasting settlement. It is only diplomacy, in the spirit of the UN Charter, that will bring both sides closer to peace,” he said.