The Council of Europe Responds to Takhuhy Tovmasyan's Letters on the Complete Blockade of Artsakh

The Council of Europe has responded to my letters regarding the humanitarian disaster caused by the complete blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. This was stated by the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia and Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs, Takhuhy Tovmasyan, on her Facebook page.

“I have repeatedly addressed letters to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, expressing a number of concerns related to Azerbaijan's egregious violations of international law norms. In particular, I alarmed Secretary General Maria Peichinovich Burich about the statement made by the Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Z. Oruj, regarding the intention to seize the capital of the Republic of Armenia, which is considered a subject of international law.

Since the blockade of the Berdzor corridor, my letters have focused on the vital needs of 120,000 ethnic Armenians in Artsakh arising from the humanitarian disaster, the disconnection of gas and electricity supplies from Azerbaijan during the cold winter, and the violations of the fundamental rights of the population of Artsakh. I also specifically highlighted the unacceptable incident involving emotional and psychological violence against 19 Armenian children by Azerbaijan, which should be subject to investigation by competent international entities.

In connection with these letters, I received responses from the office of Secretary General Miroslav Papaj, indicating that the Council of Europe will continue to support peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan within its mandate. Referring to the statement from the Icelandic Presidency of the Committee of Ministers on January 19 regarding the humanitarian situation around the Lachin (Berdzor) corridor, assurances were provided that the Secretary General will continue to closely monitor the situation. The Secretary General expresses concern and emphasizes the need to avoid escalation of tensions.

I thank the office of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General, personally Ms. Burich and Mr. Papaj, for responding to my urgent letters. At the same time, I would like to emphasize once again the need for effective measures by the international community to prevent Azerbaijan’s genocidal policies. Condemnations are not enough; sanctions against Azerbaijan are necessary,” wrote Tovmasyan.