UN chief concerned about deteriorating humanitarian situation in Karabakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - UN Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply concerned by the reports of continued challenges related to the freedom of movement along the Lachin Corridor – the sole route connecting Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) to Armenia -- Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in a statement on Wednesday, August 2.

“He recalls his previous statement on the need for the Parties to implement the Orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), including the Orders issued on 22 February 2023 and reaffirmed on 6 July 2023, related to measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions,” Haq said.

“He is particularly concerned about reports of the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground and calls for urgent steps to facilitate access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in need.

“He urges both parties to intensify efforts towards the long-term normalization of relations for the benefit of peace and security in the region.”

Since December 12, 2022, the sole road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia - the Lachin Corridor - has been blocked by Azerbaijan. Baku tightened the blockade on June 15, 2023, banning emergency relief supplies that were carried out by Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross through the sole road connecting Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world. The move aggravated the shortages of food, medicine and other essential items experienced by the region’s population.