How Does Ethnic Cleansing Happen? Nikol Pashinyan on Azerbaijani Actions

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the recent provocations by Azerbaijan at the start of a government session. He reminded that the establishment of an illegal checkpoint in the Lachin corridor and the blockade of natural gas and energy supplies to Artsakh have drastically exacerbated the humanitarian situation. “If last month, Azerbaijan was providing some level of accessibility through the Lachin corridor for propaganda purposes, via the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers, starting yesterday, that accessibility has been completely nullified. Even the supply of essential foodstuffs to Artsakh has been halted,” he stated, adding that not only is food not entering Artsakh, but also the passage of those in need of urgent medical assistance through the Lachin corridor has been denied.

Pashinyan noted that these actions reaffirm concerns that Azerbaijan is pursuing an ethnic cleansing policy in Artsakh. “In this case, we are not just talking about concerns but rather the initiation of actions. How does ethnic cleansing happen?” he asked.

He emphasized that their response to this situation must also include raising international awareness at the level of organizations, foreign governments, and public opinion. “The dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert, within the framework of international mechanisms, is extremely crucial to ensure the rights and security of the Armenian population of Artsakh, and we must hope that concrete steps will be taken in this direction,” he added. According to the Prime Minister, efforts toward normalizing relations with Azerbaijan and establishing peace must continue simultaneously.