Russia believes the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan must provide for reliable and clear guarantees of the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).

Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation Alexander Lukashevich told a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council that the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh is deteriorating.

“The local population is experiencing an acute shortage of food, medicine, basic necessities, and is practically deprived of electricity and gas supply. This was stated by the

“Immediate measures must be taken to unblock the Lachin corridor, resume the unhindered movement of citizens, vehicles and goods along it in both directions, as well as to supply the region with energy.

Under these conditions, Lukashevich said, the soonest finalization of the text of the peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan becomes more urgent.

“We proceed from the fact that an integral part of this agreement should have reliable and clear guarantees of the rights and security of the Armenians of Karabakh, as well as the strict implementation of all the provisions of the tripartite statements between Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the launch of the process of delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the unblocking of transport communications,” the envoy added.

“In view of the foregoing, the Russian side confirms its intention to vigorously contribute to the restoration of the normal life of Nagorno-Karabakh and the promotion of the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization process.”

Since December 12, the sole road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia - the Lachin Corridor - has been blocked by Azerbaijan. Karabakh residents have reported severe food and fuel shortages, while hospital patients don't have access to essential medicines.