CoE Secretary General reiterates call to restore free movement along Lachin Corridor

YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Council of EuropeSecretary GeneralMarija Pejčinović Burić has ‘strongly reiterated’ her previous calls to restore the free movement along the Lachin corridor.

In a statement released Friday, Burić expressed ‘extreme concern’ about the ‘serious humanitarian and human rights situation’ in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“I am extremely concerned about the serious humanitarian and human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and my thoughts go to the residents who are bearing the brunt of this situation. I strongly reiterate my previous calls to restore the free movement along the Lachin corridor. I draw attention to the interim measures indicated by the European Court of Human Rights concerning the Lachin Corridor seven months ago. I also call on both sides to engage in a genuine dialogue with a view to rapidly ensuring free and safe passage through the Lachin corridor. This dialogue should lead as well to de-escalating tensions and restoring peace, also in line with the commitments undertaken by Armenia and Azerbaijan upon acceding to the Council of Europe more than 23 years ago,” Burić said in the statement.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 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.

An Armenian humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor for the second day.