Canadian Lawmakers Urge Immediate Opening of the Lachin Corridor

Lawmakers Rachel Thomas and Senator Leo Housakos, as co-chairs of the Canada-Artsakh Parliamentary Friendship Group, have issued a statement regarding the 200th day of Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin corridor.

“Since December 12, Azerbaijani forces have blocked the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia. The blockade has led to serious humanitarian consequences. Due to Azerbaijan's ongoing aggression since 2020, 120,000 residents of Nagorno-Karabakh are facing a crisis. Acute shortages of food, disruptions in fuel, electricity, and water supplies, along with the severing of ties with the outside world have exacerbated the crisis. Many, including children and the elderly, are experiencing malnutrition. Medical facilities are lacking medications, and planned surgeries are being postponed. Schools and institutions are on the brink of closure, and the shutdown of businesses is depriving people of their livelihoods.

The ongoing blockade hinders negotiations. We call for a peaceful resolution to end the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh and to immediately open the Lachin corridor.”