Azerbaijan Preparing for New Military Aggression Against Armenia and Artsakh, Says Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister at OSCE Meeting

The movements and accumulations of personnel, offensive weapons, and military equipment by Azerbaijan along the border with Armenia and the line of contact with Artsakh pose a threat of force, indicating that Azerbaijan is preparing for a new military aggression against Armenia and Artsakh. This was stated by Vahe Gevorgyan, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, during a speech at the special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council convened at Armenia's initiative. The information was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

“While Armenia continues to adhere to the commitment to resolve all unresolved issues exclusively through political and diplomatic means with Azerbaijan, we expect that the international community and our partners will make every effort and use the means at their disposal to prevent further aggression in our region,” emphasized Vahe Gevorgyan.

The Deputy Foreign Minister drew the attention of representatives of OSCE participating States to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Artsakh resulting from Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, which Azerbaijan aims to use to subject Artsakh to complete ethnic cleansing.

The blockade of Artsakh is part of a broader picture of inciting hatred against Armenians that has lasted for decades, engaging in a policy of threats and the use of force, along with gross violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, all of which are alarming signs of genocidal intent,” noted Vahe Gevorgyan.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan must heed the calls of the international community and unconditionally implement the decision of the International Court of Justice, adopted on February 23, 2023, and reaffirmed on July 6, to cease the illegal blockage of the Lachin corridor and ensure the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo in both directions between Armenia and Artsakh.

Vahe Gevorgyan also stated that ensuring humanitarian access to Artsakh without obstacles and the involvement of appropriate international organizations on the ground is urgent.

The speech also highlighted the need for special international efforts to guarantee the rights and security of the people of Artsakh, as well as the establishment of a robust international mechanism for dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku, which would allow for tangible results in the process.

It is noteworthy that on December 12, 2022, a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothing closed the Stepanakert-Goris highway connecting Artsakh to Armenia under the pretext of environmental concerns, from which they left on April 28, as on April 23, Azerbaijan set up a checkpoint on the Lachin road, taking full control of it. Artsakh has also been deprived of gas and electricity supplied from Armenia.