How Many More Must Die Before the World Takes Notice? CNN Covers the Blockade of Lachin

CNN has published an extensive article addressing the severe situation in Nagorno-Karabakh caused by Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin corridor, including shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and periodic electricity outages.

The report highlights the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh through personal stories, showcasing the daily hardships faced by ethnic Armenians trapped in the Azerbaijani blockade. CNN interviewed Ani Kirakosyan, who lost her baby in the second trimester due to malnutrition and stress. "If it weren't for the blockade, I would be playing with my child today," Kirakosyan told CNN.

The article also features the story of Max Mkrtchyan, a shop owner in Stepanakert, who shared videos showing his empty storefront, lamenting that he will be unemployed in a week as he is forced to close his shop, which now only sells bread, honey, and vodka.

This year, sending children to school has also become impossible due to malnutrition, lack of books, school supplies, clothing, and the absence of public transport.

The piece references a report by former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo, stating there are reasonable grounds to believe that genocide is being committed against Armenians. The article incorporates evaluations from the governments of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh, which generally conclude that Baku is committing genocide against the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh by starving them.

Political Science Professor Ronald Suny from the University of Michigan also informed the media about Baku's intention to ethnically cleanse Artsakh. “Instead of using violence, which could provoke opposition abroad, Baku has decided to make life impossible for Armenians, starving them and forcing them to leave,” he stated.

EU foreign policy spokesperson Peter Stano expressed to CNN his “deep concern regarding the serious humanitarian situation” and called for the full restoration of traffic through the Lachin corridor. The U.S. State Department spokesperson echoed similar calls in a written statement.

However, former President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, expressed his disappointment with the reaction from the EU and the U.S., attributing their inaction to geopolitical reasons. The article recalls Reuters reporting that in July 2022, the EU agreed to double gas imports from Azerbaijan by 2027.

“We are losing hope. How many more must die before the world takes notice?” the article concludes with the words of Artsakh resident Anahit Garaghazaryan.