Council of Europe Secretary General Responds to Takhouhi Tovmasyan's Letter

The Chairperson of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs, independent Takhouhi Tovmasyan, reported on her Facebook page that the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Maria Pejčinović Burić, has responded to her letter.

“I will continue to promote the implementation of the interim measures set by the Strasbourg court regarding the Lachin corridor and possible prisoners,” she quoted. Tovmasyan had previously alerted that Azerbaijan was not fulfilling the Court's requirement to ensure the uninterrupted movement of citizens, vehicles, and cargo in both directions through the Berdzor corridor.

She emphasized once again that Azerbaijan has been holding the 120,000 residents of Artsakh hostage for more than two months, amidst ongoing disruptions to gas and electricity supplies, as well as severe shortages of food, medicines, and other vital necessities.

Tovmasyan called on international organizations to assist within their mandates in the enforcement of the International Court of Justice's decision on interim measures and to inform her about the actions taken and planned.

In response, Secretary General Maria Pejčinović Burić assured that she is utilizing all available means to decisively encourage both Armenia and Azerbaijan to fully adhere to dialogue and prioritize resolving existing human rights and humanitarian issues related to the conflict.

Burić stated that she would continue to facilitate the implementation of the interim measures set by the Strasbourg court regarding the Lachin corridor and possible prisoners. “The Council of Europe will continue to support reconciliation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan through confidence-building measures, aiming for sustainable peace in the region,” concluded the Council of Europe Secretary General.

Additionally, I would like to note that the decision of the UN's main judicial body is subject to mandatory execution; however, unfortunately, it has not been implemented to date.