YEREVAN, JANUARY 12, ARTSAKHPRESS. The Azeri blockade of Artsakh is not only the Armenian people’s problem, but also the entire civilized and advanced world, the Foreign Minister of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) Sergey Ghazaryan said during the “Month-long Blockade” video bridge between Stepanakert and Yerevan.
Speaking about the people who are unable to return to Artsakh due to the blockade, Ghazaryan said the Artsakh Permanent Representation and numerous other organizations have responded to their issues. The stranded citizens are mainly accommodated in Goris, as well as in Yerevan. He said active work is underway with the governmental working group.
Addressing the international reaction, FM Ghazaryan noted the December 20 emergency meeting of the UN Security Council convened at the request of Armenia, where concrete targeted positions were voiced addressed to Azerbaijan to end the blockade.
“Concrete targeted positions were voiced by France, USA, Ireland and other countries, and international organizations. Our main message is the following – the blockade of Artsakh is not only the Armenian people’s problem. This is the problem of the entire civilized and advanced world,” FM Ghazaryan said.
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. Furthermore, Azerbaijan has barred repair crews from accessing the area where the only high-voltage power line supplying Artsakh with electricity from Armenia was damaged on January 9.
