UN Secretary-General Guterres on the Situation in the Lachin Corridor

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his call for ensuring free and safe movement through the Lachin Corridor. This was stated to Armenpress by Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.

“The Secretary-General expressed his concerns regarding the current situation in his statement on December 14, 2022. These concerns were also raised by the Secretariat during the emergency meeting of the Security Council convened on Armenia's request on December 20, 2022. The Secretary-General reiterates his calls for de-escalating tensions and ensuring free and safe movement through the corridor, in accordance with previously reached agreements. He supports mediation efforts,” noted Dujarric, addressing the fact that Azerbaijan has kept the Lachin Corridor closed for four weeks, leading to a real humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, where approximately 120,000 residents are facing a blockade.

“The UN offices in Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to maintain contact with the authorities and international organizations on the ground and are ready to respond should there be a request and if the conditions allow it,” the UN Secretary-General's spokesperson announced.

Azerbaijan has kept the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outside world, closed since December 12, 2022. As a result of the road closure, 1,100 people, including 270 children, have been unable to return from Armenia to Artsakh. This has violated individuals' rights to free movement, access to a minimum standard of living, medical care, education, and other rights.