Int’l mechanism for dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku ‘most constructive scenario’ for overcoming situation - PM

YEREVAN, JULY 20, ARMENPRESS. The formation of an international mechanism for dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku would be the most constructive scenario for overcoming the situation, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the July 20 Cabinet meeting when speaking about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno Karabakh resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor.

‘Right now our objective is to attract more international attention on the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh through diplomatic methods, and to widely and objectively present the ongoing situation in Nagorno Karabakh in international media and social networks. The need for sending an international fact-finding mission to Lachin Corridor and Nagorno Karabakh has become stronger. At the same time, the formation of an international mechanism for dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku is the most constructive scenario for overcoming the situation,” Pashinyan added, noting that every effort must be made in this direction.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since December 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan 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 been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations and the Red Cross has been facilitating the medical evacuations of patients.