US State Department Addresses Humanitarian Crisis in Artsakh

The US State Department has clarified the statements made by Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan regarding joining the protest and the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.

“The humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh is escalating day by day. The Lachin corridor has been closed for over 7 months, and currently, no vehicles are allowed to pass. The shortage of essential goods, medicines, and even bread has become an urgent issue. People have been hospitalized, including due to malnutrition. The president of Artsakh has been compelled to join the protests to draw attention to the humanitarian disaster occurring in the region. However, there has been no noticeable attention or support from the international community,” he stated.

How does the US State Department view the situation on the ground? Is this not a typical case of ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan, using forced starvation for narrow political motives? Is “integration” logical and effective under such conditions? Is this policy acceptable, and does the US government have any objections to the situation, apart from polite calls and appeals to the Azerbaijani authorities? Do the hunger, diseases, and life-and-death struggles of people living in Artsakh concern global actors, or is this another instance where politics supersedes the basic needs and rights of ordinary individuals?

According to media reports, the response sent is attributed to Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department’s press office. “The US continues to remain deeply concerned that Azerbaijan continues to keep the Lachin corridor closed to commercial, humanitarian, and personal vehicles. The suspension of movement for humanitarian purposes exacerbates the humanitarian situation and disrupts confidence-building efforts in the peace process. The movement of commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles through the Lachin corridor must be restored immediately. We consistently advocate that peace in the region must include the protection of the rights and security of the population in Nagorno-Karabakh. We welcome dialogue that promotes this goal.”