Azerbaijani Fabrications Refuted by Facts: Artsakh MFA

Recently, Azerbaijani authorities have increasingly resorted to arbitrary interpretations of the 6th point of the trilateral statement regarding the operation of the Lachin corridor dated November 9, 2020. To advance its own political agenda, Azerbaijan has effectively held the entire population of Artsakh hostage for over 40 days by blocking the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outside world, thus creating a serious humanitarian crisis. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh.

Moreover, Azerbaijan engages in various speculations to obscure its inhumane policies towards the people of Artsakh. In particular, the Azerbaijani authorities present data on the movement of vehicles belonging to Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross as proof of the absence of a humanitarian crisis and blockade. However, the fabrications by Azerbaijan intended to mislead the international community are refuted by facts. Firstly, during the 43 days of closure of the Lachin corridor, fewer vehicles have crossed than during one day prior to the blockade. All those vehicles belonged either to the ICRC or the Russian peacekeepers. No vehicles belonging to Artsakh residents have passed through the corridor.

Secondly, passenger movement in both directions has ceased due to the blockade of the Lachin corridor. Even a vehicle transporting children from Armenia to Artsakh under the supervision of Russian peacekeepers has been stopped, and the passengers have been subjected to targeted psychological intimidation by Azerbaijanis.

Thirdly, the import of consumer goods, which amounted to more than 400 tons per day, has been entirely halted. The blockade of Artsakh not only leads to a shortage of essential goods and medications, but also deprives thousands of people of their jobs and livelihoods. Furthermore, in addition to the land blockade of Artsakh, Azerbaijan is also implementing an energy blockade aimed at further deteriorating the humanitarian situation. Azerbaijan continues to deliberately obstruct the gas supply to Artsakh and the restoration of the only high-voltage line coming from Goris to Stepanakert, particularly the section under their control, where an accident occurred on January 9.

Azerbaijan's claim of having the right to stop vehicles passing through the Lachin corridor and to inspect cargo is absolutely unfounded. The trilateral statement does not contain any restrictions on the transportation of cargo based on their nature, purpose, or application. Azerbaijan has only one obligation regarding the Lachin corridor: not to obstruct movement in any way.

The attempts by Baku to unilaterally revise the provisions of the trilateral statement and transform the Lachin corridor, which has internationally recognized status, into a road controlled by Azerbaijan and used exclusively for humanitarian transport are illegal and must be rejected. The signature of the President of Azerbaijan under the trilateral statement is an obvious acceptance of Azerbaijan's agreement to the exclusive control of the Lachin corridor by the Russian peacekeeping forces.