Ireland Calls on Azerbaijan to Immediately and Unconditionally Restore Movement Through the Lachin Corridor

Ireland is seriously concerned about the closure of the Lachin Corridor, which began on December 12, and has severe consequences for the local population. This was stated by Ireland's representative to the UN during a discussion at the UN Security Council regarding the situation surrounding the Lachin Corridor.

“Without the free movement of people, food, goods, and medicine through this vital corridor, the population of Nagorno-Karabakh will undoubtedly face a humanitarian disaster this winter. As the Security Council, we must do everything possible to prevent this and avert another humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes. Therefore, Ireland calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately and unconditionally restore free and safe movement through the Lachin Corridor, in accordance with the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020,” the Irish representative noted.

He reminded that as members of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Armenia and Azerbaijan are obliged to ensure the right to peaceful assembly and to respect its exercise while guaranteeing that it does not disrupt public safety, health, and the rights and freedoms of others.

“Now is the time for restraint and de-escalation, time to limit rhetoric, and to refrain from threats and provocations. It is time to continue important efforts for accountability to prevent further unnecessary loss of life. Concerns can and must be addressed through dialogue and consultations among the parties involved. We welcome the steps taken by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to overcome differences and achieve lasting and sustainable peace in the region.

Ireland supports a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable resolution of issues, including the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh. We express our full support for the Minsk Group format of the OSCE in advancing this matter. We also support the ongoing active engagement of the European Union in assisting the parties in peacefully resolving remaining issues, including through the Brussels dialogue process,” the representative of Ireland at the UN stated, adding that together with other EU member states, their goal is to establish sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.