Artsakh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Statement

The Artsakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding the delivery of humanitarian aid to Artsakh. On September 18, 2023, approximately 28 tons of humanitarian cargo, including wheat flour, medical supplies, and hygiene products, were brought to Artsakh via the Lachin corridor and the Aghdam-Stepanakert road using vehicles from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

This humanitarian mission is the result of long-term discussions involving the International Committee of the Red Cross, the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Artsakh, and international mediators, considering the extremely severe humanitarian situation created by Azerbaijan's complete blockade.

At the same time, it is essential to emphasize that Artsakh remains besieged, deprived of gas and electricity supply from Armenia, and lacking the means to ensure the normal functioning of the republic's population. It should be noted that the deteriorating humanitarian disaster cannot be halted without reliable and regular supplies of food and essential goods.

This delivery of humanitarian cargo, constituting less than 7 percent of the 400 tons of goods normally imported into Artsakh daily before the blockade, cannot replace the regular circulation of trade goods, which is necessary to ensure the normal functioning and natural development of Artsakh.

We reiterate that international actors involved in the resolution process of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict must guarantee the complete resumption of the Lachin corridor for the safe and unhindered movement of people, vehicles, and cargo in both directions, in accordance with the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement and the decisions of the International Court of Justice. Only then can we talk about the cessation of the blockade and the subsequent restoration of conditions necessary for the normal functioning and the full realization of the individual and collective rights of the people of Artsakh, including the rights to free movement, health, education, and development.