Aghdam Route Should Not Be Considered an Alternative to the Opening of the Lachin Corridor – Borrell

The EU has acknowledged Baku's willingness to supply goods via Aghdam, but this is not an alternative to the opening of the Lachin Corridor. This statement was made by the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell.

“The European Union is deeply concerned about the severe humanitarian situation affecting the local population in the former Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region. Traffic through the Lachin Corridor has been hindered for over seven months, despite the decisions of the International Court of Justice to reopen it. Medicines and essential goods are lacking or have run out, causing horrific consequences for the local population. The Azerbaijani authorities must ensure the safety and free movement through the Lachin Corridor in the near future and prevent further escalation of the crisis,” the statement reads.

Borrell added, “We have taken note of the Azerbaijani authorities' expressed willingness to also deliver goods via the city of Aghdam. This should not be considered an alternative to the opening of the Lachin Corridor.”

The head of EU diplomacy also noted that the ICRC's activities in the region have been severely affected and called for their resumption, including medical evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian aid. “The EU emphasizes that humanitarian access should not be politicized by any actor,” he stated.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Borrell used not only the term Stepanakert but also the Azerbaijani variant “Khankend” in his statement. It was mentioned that the EU and, in particular, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, have been actively involved in supporting the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as promoting dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert/Khankend.

“This also requires genuine commitment from all parties to the outcomes of negotiations and a future based on shared interests and mutual trust,” the statement concluded.