YEREVAN, JANUARY 12, ARTSAKHPRESS. Azeri president Ilham Aliyev continues to lie to the international community about the month-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor, United States Congressman Frank Pallone said in response to Aliyev’s latest statements made during a press conference.
“Aliyev continues to lie to the international community about the month-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor. There is clear evidence it’s causing a humanitarian crisis in Artsakh by blocking critical food and medical supplies from getting to civilians.
It’s also disturbing that the only time Aliyev celebrates “free speech” is when it is used to threaten the lives of Armenians. I have worked with my Armenian Caucus colleagues to push State Department and other world leaders to take serious action to end this man-made disaster.
120,000 innocent lives could be at risk in the coming days. We cannot stand idly by as this very real disaster unfolds before our eyes. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure the U.S. uses every diplomatic tool possible to bring this cruel blockade to an end,” Pallone tweeted.
The Lachin Corridor is blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. The corridor is the only travel and supply route for the 120,000 Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). The blockade has caused a humanitarian crisis. Shortages of essential products such as food and medicine prompted Nagorno Karabakh authorities to introduce rationing. Hospitals are keeping planned surgeries on hold. 1,100 residents of Nagorno Karabakh, including 270 children who were in Armenia when the road was blocked are unable to return to their homes.
