July 31
11:08 p.m.: In response to Haypress, Germany’s federal government stated that its embassy in Yerevan is in “constant contact with the Armenian government, civil society and the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA). The Embassy regularly exchanges views on the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with the International Committee of the Red Cross, for whose humanitarian missions in Nagorno-Karabakh Germany is the largest donor. In accordance with the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Germany is committed to free and open movement of people and trade along the Lachin Corridor so that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh can be supplied with food.”
11 p.m.: Bob Menendez, chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, tweets: “The ICRC has served as a lifeline to Nagorno Karabakh. Then Azerbaijan cut off its last remaining source of essential food and medicine. More than 7 months into Azerbaijan’s blockade, the time is now for the US and its allies to exert pressure on Aliyev. Lives hang in the balance.”
9:26 p.m.: At a press briefing, when asked about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated:
“We continue to talk about a peace agreement and we continue to believe that a peace agreement is within reach. However, we have always said that for it to be within reach both parties have to make difficult compromises, and that’s why the Secretary [of State Antony Blinken] has been remained engaged in talking to the leaders of both Armenia and Azerbaijan to encourage them to make those difficult compromises so we can – they can reach an agreement.”
When asked if the U.S. observation is that the situation has been worsening, Miller said that he is not going to comment on the situation.
9:16 p.m.: The World Council of Churches (WCC) issued a statement on Nagorno-Karabakh:
“As the humanitarian crisis in the blockaded enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) reaches a tragic level, the World Council of Churches reiterates its statements and positions on the need for urgent and immediate action by the international community,” said WCC General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “The Lachin corridor, the only road that links the region to Armenia, has been blocked for more than seven months, sparking a humanitarian emergency and putting the lives of 120,000 people, including children, in great danger.”
“The WCC urges the international community to intervene immediately and quickly in order to end the blockade and save the lives of the Artsakh residents and then proceed to efforts of finding diplomatic solutions for a just peace in the region,” said Pillay.
“The WCC calls on Azerbaijan and other forces involved for the immediate lifting of the blockade and to reopen the Lachin corridor to allow for the two-way free and safe passage of civilians, transport, and goods along the corridor and to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to alleviate the suffering of the Armenian population of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).”
7:04 p.m.: Tiny Kox, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), issued the following statement today:
“Given the further deterioration of the humanitarian and human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, I recall the Assembly’s request of 20 June, to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, to organize a fact-finding mission to Azerbaijan as early as possible, with the aim of assessing the situation where Armenians live and have been affected by the absence of free and safe access through the Lachin corridor since 12 December 2022.
“I join the call for dialogue voiced by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on 28 July 2023, and urge both Azerbaijan and Armenia, as Council of Europe member States, to finally live up to their mutual commitment, made on their accession in 1991, to de-escalate tension and restore peace between their countries.”
6:41 p.m.: Ambassador Muriel Peneveyre, Head of Eurasia Division at Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, states that “Switzerland is concerned about the continued obstruction of access through the Lachin corridor and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. Free passage for civilians and essential goods must be urgently restored. Rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access must be allowed immediately.”
4:10 p.m.: At a press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart in Ankara, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the “Lachin road is Azerbaijan’s territory. Therefore, Azerbaijan takes whatever measures it deems necessary. Taking [measures] is also one of its greatest sovereign rights.”
“Medical transitions are also possible. Other routes, which are suitable for extensive material transport, have also been allocated. When we look at all these evaluations, we think that there is no justification for criticizing Azerbaijan on this issue,” he said.
1:06 p.m.: Michael Roth, chair of the foreign affairs committee of Germany’s Bundestag, tweets: “Azerbaijan blocked humanitarian aid shipments to Nagorno-Karabakh. A breach of international law! Even if Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan, this does not justify ethnic cleansing. The EU and the U.S. must take a clear position here. Armenia must not become prey to Russia.”
12:03 p.m.: At a demonstration outside the UN office in Yerevan, Vera Khachatryan, the daughter of Vaigf Khachatryan, a patient abducted by Azerbaijan on July 29, stated that her father was being transported for an urgent heart surgery.
She noted that when her father was taken away and ICRC representatives tried to intervene, Azerbaijani border guards “threatened to use force.” The ICRC notified his family that he was in a Baku hospital, but the family have been unable to contact him since.
“This pain isn’t only mine, Vagif Khachatryan is the personification of the entire Armenian nation,” she said.
11:16 a.m.: In a Facebook live, Tigran Petrosyan, chair of the Anti-crisis Council under the Artsakh President, stated that Azerbaijan has canceled Western-mediated talks with representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh scheduled for August 1.
“A meeting between representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan was supposed to take place in [Slovakia’s capital] Bratislava tomorrow, but Azerbaijan abandoned that meeting the day before yesterday without an explanation,” he said, adding that Azerbaijan insists on holding talks in an Azerbaijani city, which is unacceptable to the leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh.
July 30
6:13 p.m.: The ICRC reports that yesterday, on July 29, ICRC representatives visited the patient who had been abducted and then arrested on the same day along the Lachin corridor. “The man was met by our delegates, one of whom is a medical doctor, and was given the possibility to contact his family,” it said.
6 p.m.: The Azerbaijani readout of the Aliyev-Blinken phone call noted that Aliyev said that “although the Azerbaijani side put forward a proposal to use the ‘Aghdam-Khankendi’ [Stepanakert] road in order to meet the needs of the Armenian residents, which was supported by the European Union and the International Committee of the Red Cross, Armenia opposed all proposals. The Armenian side’s claim about the ‘humanitarian situation’ and ‘blockade’ is a political manipulation.”
Aliyev “reiterated that the Azerbaijani side is determined to reintegrate the Armenian residents, reminding that the first meeting was held in Khojaly for this purpose, and Azerbaijan’s proposal for the second meeting was presented.”
4:17 p.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev yesterday to “express deep concern for the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Secretary Blinken underscored the urgent need for free transit of commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles through the Lachin corridor, and emphasized the need for compromise on alternative routes so humanitarian supplies can reach the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Secretary stressed the need for all parties to keep up positive momentum on peace negotiations.”
8:17 a.m.: Anne Boillon, the French ambassador to Azerbaijan, tweeted: “ICRC mission is strictly humanitarian and operates with the agreement of the parties. It is essential that it can operate in a safe and predictable way.”
1:43 a.m.: After the abduction of a patient being transferred from Artsakh to Armenia by the ICRC, the French ambassador in Armenia stated “Full support for the ICRC’s humanitarian mission.”
July 29
10:56 p.m.: The ICRC issued a statement regarding the abduction of an Armenian resident of Artsakh, Vagif Khachatryan, by Azerbaijani border service guards while he was being transferred to Armenia for medical treatment:
“Today, during a humanitarian transfer of 15 patients through the Lachin Corridor by the ICRC, one patient was arrested.
“Since December 2022, as part of our internationally recognized humanitarian mandate, we have facilitated the transfer of over 680 patients through the Lachin Corridor. We work in transparency, coordinate with the sides and only operate with their agreement. This was the case today.
“The transfer of medical patients is of critical importance for vulnerable populations. We will visit the detained patient as soon as possible and are in contact with the family.
“We call for all concerned decision-makers to respect our strictly humanitarian mission.”
10 p.m.: The office of the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh issued a statement about the kidnapping of Vagif Khachatryan by Azerbaijan.
“On July 29, at about 9:30 a.m., accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), by prior agreement with the Azerbaijani side, the convoy transporting patients from Artsakh to Armenia reached the illegal Azerbaijani ‘checkpoint’ located near the Hakari Bridge.
“During the passport check, Vagif Khachatryan, a resident of the Patara community of the Republic of Artsakh, born in 1955, gave his passport to representatives of the Azerbaijani border service, who then did not return his passport. When asked by Vagif Khachatryan’s daughter and the ICRC representative why they did not return the passport, the Azerbaijanis replied that they would return it in five minutes.
“At that time, Vagif Khachatryan was escorted to a medical office located at an illegal Azerbaijani ‘checkpoint’, where he was asked health-related questions and about the reasons for his transfer to Armenia.
“Then Vagif Khachatryan was informed that he had to proceed to one of the rooms located near the ‘checkpoint’ for 15 minutes to answer a few questions. Vagif’s daughter and the ICRC representative insisted that they could ask their questions directly at the checkpoint and that there was no need to move to another place. After that, the Azerbaijanis threatened to do it with the use of force. At the same time, according to the testimonies, a lot of Azerbaijani servicemen armed with machine guns were gathered at the checkpoint.
“Vagif Khachatryan and the ICRC representative of the Stepanakert Office (a foreign national) were put into a Niva car, which headed to the lower part of the Hakari bridge. Approximately 10 minutes later, the ICRC representative returned to the checkpoint in a Chevrolet car, while Vagif Khachatryan was taken away in an unknown direction. According to the testimony, the ICRC representative was pushed out of the car by the Azerbaijanis.
“All these actions took place in the presence of Vagif Khachatryan’s daughter, who tried to do everything possible to prevent the kidnapping of her father, but she was threatened with the use of force.
“68-year-old Vagif Khachatryan suffered from cardiovascular disease and was being transferred to the Nork Marash Medical Center in Yerevan for surgery.
“Before transferring patients to medical institutions of the Republic of Armenia, the ICRC receives the consent of all parties, including the Azerbaijani side. Therefore, after the agreement is reached, the ICRC is responsible for the safe transportation of these persons.
“The criminal case initiated by the Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan against Vagif Khachatryan and his so-called ‘arrest’ within its framework is a false and far-fetched pretext for his abduction. According to the information received and the research conducted by the Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, it was confirmed that there is no data on Vagif Khachatryan in any international intelligence system.
“Consequently, Vagif Khachatryan is a person under international humanitarian protection, for the protection of whose rights the human rights defender of Artsakh demands the following:
“A public statement made by the ICRC, making a legal assessment of this Azerbaijani crime, to take all actions arising from the ICRC’s mandate to return Vagif Khachatryan to Artsakh, to ensure the protection of the rights of Vagif Khachatryan before his return, to exclude torture and inhumane treatment towards him.
“To present to international organizations and governments of individual States the facts about the kidnapping of a citizen of the Republic of Artsakh by Azerbaijan and crimes systematically carried out against the people of Artsakh, pursuing the undeniable goal of ethnic cleansing and genocide, in order to ensure the necessary international pressure.
“International organizations should take as a basis the alarm voiced by the ICRC and a number of international human rights organizations about Azerbaijan’s large-scale violations of the rights of the people of Artsakh, and apply coercive and punitive measures against Azerbaijan to make it fulfill its international obligations.
“The Lachin corridor, which also includes the Hakari Bridge, according to the Trilateral Statement of 2020, is under the control of Russian peacekeeping forces. The kidnapping of Vagif Khachatryan took place a few meters from the unit of the Russian peacekeeping contingent located at the Hakari Bridge, which did nothing to prevent the abduction. Taking into account the fact that the Lachin corridor is considered a territory under the control of Russian peacekeepers, and the Russian Federation is the guarantor of the implementation of the provisions of the Trilateral Statement, the Russian Federation should take all actions to return Vagif Khachatryan to Artsakh and restore full control over the Lachin corridor, preventing the recurrence of cases of abduction of Artsakh citizens by Azerbaijan.”
8:17 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issues a statement:
“On July 29, 68-year-old Vagif Khachatryan, who, having serious health issues, was being transported from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for medical treatment, accompanied by the International Committee of Red Cross, was abducted by the representatives of the border guard service of Azerbaijan at the illegal checkpoint installed on the Lachin corridor and taken in an unknown direction without any reliable explanation.
“It should be emphasized that the ICRC provides the parties with the lists of patients to be transported in advance and carries out their transportation only after the consent of the parties. The release of the statement full of false narratives and accusations by the Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan right after the abduction shows that this operation was thoroughly planned in advance. Moreover, the statement contains an open threat to apply the same approach to other residents of Nagorno-Karabakh as well.
“This mode of operation by Azerbaijan is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law: the arrest of a person under the protection of international humanitarian law and the ICRC is nothing short of a war crime. It also aimed at completely blocking the ICRC activities in Nagorno-Karabakh, while Azerbaijan continues the blockade of the Lachin corridor and hinders in general the access of other humanitarian organizations to Nagorno-Karabakh.
“It is noteworthy that this action of the Azerbaijani authorities is a direct implementation of the statement made by the country’s president on May 28 that “the installation of a checkpoint in the Lachin corridor would be a lesson for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, … they should show up with bent necks”, and the continuous threats, about which the Armenian side has repeatedly signaled to international partners, calling on them to condemn these and other similar statements. This action of Azerbaijan directly demonstrates that the alarms, voiced by Armenia for a long time, reflect the seriousness and urgency of the existing sinister risks of ethnic cleansing.
“Moreover, this pattern of behavior time and again demonstrates the bankruptcy of the arguments of the Azerbaijani side with regard to the Armenian prisoners of war, civilian captives, as well as the servicemen abducted from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia on May 26, who went through sham trials and are still illegally kept in Baku.
“This arbitrariness of Azerbaijan, carried out in parallel with the complete blockade of the Lachin corridor and refusal to address the issues of rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, is aimed at terrorizing the Nagorno-Karabakh population and in case of absence of international engagement once again casts serious doubt on the possibility of not only ensuring the minimal rights of the Nagorno-Karabakh people, but also on the possibility of realizing the right to life.
“We consider the criminal act committed by Azerbaijan today and the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor unacceptable and reprehensible. We expect united and clear-cut steps by the international community, including using existing tools aimed at restoring unimpeded movement through the Lachin corridor, ensuring the activities of international humanitarian organizations in Nagorno-Karabakh as well as humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh.”
7:27 p.m.: Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada responded to his Armenian counterpart:
“Armenian MFA again spreads misinformation. The mentioned 68-year-old person, Vagif Cherkezovich Khachaturyan, is an internationally wanted fugitive of Meshali massacre, Khojaly. The investigation established that in 1991 he was among Armenian armed criminals who raided the village of Meshali and killed 25 people of Azerbaijani nationality, injured 14 people, and expelled 358 Azerbaijanis from their homes.
“It is unfortunate that instead of apologizing and helping to bring war criminals into justice, Armenian officials still try to justify illegal actions, including the abuse of the ICRC facilitation for deviation from the trial.
“Moreover, Armenian MFA Spokesperson, who refers to international law and international humanitarian law, is unaware that the Lachin Checkpoint has been established by Azerbaijan in its sovereign territories, and no one can judge its legitimacy. The ICJ has also rejected this claim by Armenia.”
4:58 p.m.: Vagif Khachatryan, a civilian patient abducted by Azerbaijani border service, has been charged by Azerbaijani prosecutors with having participated in an “armed attack” on the village of Meshali of the Khojaly district on December 22, 1991.
4:56 p.m.: Ani Badalyan, spokesperson of Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, states: “Troubled by news that a 68-year-old patient, being transported from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for med treatment, accompanied by the ICRC, was abducted at an illegally installed checkpoint by the border guard service of Azerbaijan. Abduction of a person under intl humanitarian protection is flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.”
2:23 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman reports that Azerbaijan kidnapped a 68-year-old patient, Vagif Khachatryan, who was being transferred from Artsakh to Armenia by the ICRC, and took him to an “unknown destination.”
11:23 a.m.: The Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Gus M. Bilirakis, David G. Valadao, and Adam B. Schiff, issued a statement calling for immediate actions to be taken by the international community to address the months-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor by the Aliyev regime:
“The people of Artsakh are facing an unfathomable humanitarian crisis at the hands of the Aliyev regime. Because of the Azeri blockade of the Lachin Corridor blockade, food is dwindling, medical supplies are limited, and essentials for daily life are dangerously low. The international community has sat on the sidelines for far too long, watching as this crisis has escalated to a critical point where the lives of tens of thousands are currently at risk. Meanwhile, President Aliyev has faced zero consequences for his brutal campaign to force Armenians in Artsakh off their historic lands.
“This is the definition of ethnic cleansing. The international community must utilize all diplomatic tools available to halt the blockade, open this vital lifeline, and prevent a catastrophic humanitarian crisis from unfolding. We call on the Biden Administration to act immediately and help bring this deliberate and calculated crisis to a peaceful end.”
9:07 a.m.: In a statement, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said it is “unacceptable” for countries and international partners, “which turned a blind eye to the occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories for 30 years” to issue “biased statements against Azerbaijan.”
“For the past three years, those countries and international organizations have ignored the presence of Armenian armed forces in the territories of Azerbaijan, and Armenia’s obstruction of opening of communications. We demand from the countries and international organizations that are deceived by Armenia’s manipulations and make biased statements to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, not to interfere in the internal affairs of our country, and to put an end to the policy of double standards,” it said.
“Azerbaijan will ensure the rights of Armenian residents living in its Garabagh region based on the country’s Constitution, and will resolutely prevent any step against its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement concluded.
July 28
10:28 p.m.: Armenia’s ambassador to the UN, Mher Margaryan met with the UN Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, to discuss the “risks faced by population of Nagorno-Karabakh in conditions of total blockade and consistent denial of humanitarian access demonstrative of Azerbaijan’s genocidal intent.”
8:55 p.m.: The UK embassy in Armenia reports that the Head of its Political and Press Section joined the visit of the diplomatic corps to Syunik organized by the Armenian government. “We reiterate our support for the ICJ order of February 2023 for Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions,” it said.
7:11 p.m.: Olivier Decottignies, the newly-appointed ambassador of France, tweeted: “At the invitation of the Armenian authorities, the French Embassy today observed the continued blocking by Azerbaijan of the Lachin corridor, which violates the commitments made within the framework of the ceasefire agreements and undermines the negotiation process.”
6:14 p.m.: Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, issued a statement on the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh:
“I am extremely concerned about the serious humanitarian and human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and my thoughts go to the residents who are bearing the brunt of this situation.
“I strongly reiterate my previous calls to restore the free movement along the Lachin corridor. I draw attention to the interim measures indicated by the European Court of Human Rights concerning the Lachin Corridor seven months ago.
“I also call on both sides to engage in a genuine dialogue with a view to rapidly ensuring free and safe passage through the Lachin corridor. This dialogue should lead as well to de-escalating tensions and restoring peace, also in line with the commitments undertaken by Armenia and Azerbaijan upon acceding to the Council of Europe more than 23 years ago.”
6 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Cyprus tweeted: “Cyprus condemns the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor & is deeply concerned with the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan must urgently lift the blockade and guarantee safety and freedom of movement, in line with the 2020 ceasefire statement and ICJ decision.”
5:47 p.m.: 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Yazidi activist Nadia Murad tweeted: “The humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is deeply concerning. The Azerbaijani government must allow aid to be delivered through the Lachin Corridor to the people in need in Armenia.”
5:45 p.m.: The U.S. Embassy in Armenia tweets: “Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Allelo joined the diplomatic corps in Syunik and heard from displaced persons & regional officials about the suffering caused by continued blockage of the Lachin corridor. We reiterate Secretary Blinken’s call for an immediate reopening of the [Lachin] corridor to commercial & private traffic.”
5:34 p.m.: Nathalie Loiseau, the chair of the European Parliament’s defense committee, told Politico that the EU should go further than just voicing concern and impose “targeted sanctions” on Azerbaijani officials “responsible for hate speech and illegal decisions.”
Another MEP, François-Xavier Bellamy, a member of the European Parliament’s energy committee, argued that there is no political will in Brussels to do anything more substantive. “It’s becoming a case of Parliament vs. the Commission. We’ve tabled questions, we had a debate and now Parliament has voted to support a settled position on introducing sanctions on Azerbaijan. But if the Commission won’t listen, what else can we do?” he told Politico.
5:25 p.m.: The Polish embassy in Armenia reported that a representative participated in the trip organized by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry to the starting point of the Lachin Corridor along with delegates of accredited diplomatic missions in Armenia from the U.S., the UK, Switzerland, Italy, France, Lithuania, Spain, Romania, Ukraine, India, Serbia, Russia and Iran.
4:51 p.m.: The Czech Foreign Ministry tweeted: “Czechia supports efforts to promote peace solutions in the South Caucasus while respecting the humanitarian needs of the local population.”
4:27 p.m.: At a meeting with the diplomatic corps in Kornidzor, Syunik, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan stated:
“It is difficult to imagine the international community not uniting efforts to try and resolve the deteriorating humanitarian crisis [in Nagorno-Karabakh] with a united front. These seven months showed that Azerbaijan not only ignores the international community’s calls on opening the Lachin Corridor, but is also displaying explicit disregard for the UN International Court of Justice February 22 and July 6 rulings, according to which Azerbaijan must ensure unimpeded passage of persons, vehicles and goods along the Lachin Corridor in both directions, precisely how it is envisaged under the 9 November 9, 2020 statement, which is also signed by the President of Azerbaijan.
“Basically, the statements made by the authorities of Azerbaijan and the actions they take show that there is a clear goal to create conditions incompatible with life for the people living in Nagorno-Karabakh, which in turn will lead to ethnic cleansing. I believe that this can’t anyhow be acceptable for civilized society in the 21st century. And I hope you will clearly convey to your capitals everything you saw here today. And we hope that all capitals will make relevant statements and actions, which will allow to immediately unblock free and unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor.”
2:23 p.m.: Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Armenia visited the village of Kornidzor in Armenia’s Syunik province where a humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor. Accompanying the diplomats are Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan and Governor of Syunik Robert Ghukasyan.
1:25 p.m.: A group of Georgian civil society organizations issued a statement about the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh:
“All sides should exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could escalate the situation or worsen already fragile conditions for the negotiations. It is crucial to safeguard the dignity, rights, and security of those impacted by the conflicts.
“In the present circumstances, the Azerbaijani authorities bear a particular responsibility in ensuring the safety and rights of the Armenian population residing in Nagorno-Karabakh. How Azerbaijan deals with this challenge will significantly impact inter-ethnic relations between the peoples of the South Caucasus and the peace in the region.”
1:21 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 10 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the region of Shushi by firing small arms.
11:46 a.m.: Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry tweeted: “Slovenia is concerned about the humanitarian situation affecting the population in Karabakh. Humanitarian aid must be allowed free passage for the people in need” and expressed support to Borrell’s statement.
July 27
2:23 p.m.: Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Armenia visited the village of Kornidzor in Armenia’s Syunik province where a humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor. Accompanying the diplomats are Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan and Governor of Syunik Robert Ghukasyan.
1:21 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 10 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the region of Shushi by firing small arms.
10:29 p.m.: Spain’s embassy in Russia stated that Madrid supports Borrell’s statement on the humanitarian situation due to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
8:11 p.m.: The Dutch Foreign Ministry “follows the humanitarian situation affecting the population in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with serious concern, and fully supports the statement of Borrell.”
7:27 p.m.: Rahman Mustafayev, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the Netherlands, responded to EU High Commissioner Borrell’s statement that the Aghdam option should not be an alternative to the Lachin Corridor: “Still unclear, why Armenia and the EU took the liberty to decide, what should and shouldn’t be alternative on the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan.”
7:01 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry commented on Nikol Pashinyan’s statements “regarding the attempt to send cargo to the territories of Azerbaijan.”
“The fact that the Armenian side sends car convoys to the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan under the name of ‘humanitarian cargo’ without agreement with our country is another provocation against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. It is unacceptable to encourage this provocation at the level of the Armenian state and the prime minister.
“This provocation once again shows that Armenia’s claims of “tense humanitarian situation in the region” are nothing more than this country’s intention to continue illegal activities and create tension through groundless political manipulation.
“If the Armenian side is really interested in peace and stability in the region, including if it supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan not only in words but also in deed, it should avoid such provocative steps, the ‘Aghdam-Khankendi’ [Stepanakert] road and other alternative roads proposed by the Azerbaijani side to meet the needs of the Armenian residents. must support the use of The Armenian side should also not hinder Azerbaijan’s efforts to reintegrate Armenian residents.”
5:38 p.m.: Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev responded to Alen Simonyan’s call on parliaments around the world to exert pressure on Azerbaijan: “Instead of playing with words, Armenian political leadership must end misinformation, disinformation, manipulation games and propaganda campaign aimed at deceiving international community around Lachin road of Azerbaijan. Agdam-Khankandi road is open for all kinds of deliveries!”
5:21 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s deputy foreign minister Araz Azimov briefed diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan about the “current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, as well as the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.”
He emphasized that the “Lachin road” is a part of the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan and pointed out that Azerbaijan has “created conditions for the use of the road by Armenian residents for medical purposes, and it is proposed to use the ‘Aghdam-Khankendi’ [Stepanakert] road for the supply of more products, which can contribute to their reintegration into our society.”
“On the one hand, the Armenian side is preventing the local Armenian population from using these opportunities, and on the other hand, it is demonstrably interfering in our internal affairs in the name of ‘humanitarian aid’ and misdirecting the international community with the created shows. It was emphasized that if the Armenian side really supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, it should not object to the transportation of goods from the ‘Aghdam-Khankendi’ [Stepanakert] road and should not hinder the reintegration process,” the MFA statement said.
He “stressed that before making statements deceived by the manipulations of the Armenian side,” the international community should “think about what the said statements will serve, as well as the importance of avoiding steps that are against our sovereignty and territorial integrity, including wrong terminology.”
5:11 p.m.: France’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the blockade of the Lachin Corridor:
“France deplores Azerbaijan’s persistent blocking of the Lachin Corridor, which violates the commitments made within the framework of the ceasefire agreements and hinders the negotiation process. France fully supports the declaration made by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on July 26 regarding the humanitarian situation affecting the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“France calls on Azerbaijan to comply with its international obligations, particularly to implement the provisional measures indicated by the International Court of Justice in its order of February 22, which are binding.“France demands the restoration of the free movement of goods, people, and commodities along the Lachin Corridor in both directions and the continuous supply of gas and electricity to the population.
“Alongside the European Union, France remains fully committed to promoting a lasting and just peace in the region, a message conveyed by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs during her visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan at the end of April.”
2:27 p.m.: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has facilitated the transfer of 11 patients from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for treatment and plans to transfer 13 other patients (with attendants) from Armenia to Artsakh as they have completed their treatment.
11:42 a.m.: Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry calls on “all responsible parties to allow the provision of critical humanitarian assistance to the population of Karabakh and to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in line with the ICJ Orders. We cannot let the humanitarian crisis unfold.”
11:36 a.m.: Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan called upon “world parliamentarians to put strong pressure on Azerbaijan to prevent the humanitarian catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
10:47 a.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada commented on EU High Representative Borrell’s statement.
“Azerbaijan highly appreciates the support of the European Union to establish peace and stability in the region, as well as to the peace negotiations with Armenia.
“Nevertheless, the presented approach towards the situation in the region by High Representative Josep Borrel in his July 26 statement, based on the propaganda and political manipulations spread by Armenia, is regrettable.
“Ignoring the grievances of Azerbaijan regarding the incomplete withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the territory of Azerbaijan, which continue to be a threat to Azerbaijan’s national security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty after the 2020 44-day war, illegal activities of Armenia via the Lachin road, transportation to the territories of Azerbaijan of ammunition and landmines, as well as the transfer of the natural resources of Azerbaijan to Armenia, and presenting the legitimate acts of Azerbaijan as the closure of the Lachin road is fundamentally wrong.
“Similarly, it must be made clear that the blatant misinterpretation of the relevant decisions of the International Court of Justice will not yield results. The July 6 decision of the Court, confirming the right of Azerbaijan to control its borders and proving the baseless nature of Armenia’s request for the removal of the Lachin border checkpoint, once more demonstrated that the protection of its own security by Azerbaijan is legitimate.
“Despite the protests since the December of last year against the illegal acts of Armenia, hundreds of vehicles, including the ICRC vehicles have passed through the Lachin on a daily basis. Furthermore, a well-regulated and transparent daily passage in both directions through the Lachin border checkpoint was ensured even after its installation. Moreover, despite the armed attack on the checkpoint on June 15, smuggling attempts, and the provocation by the dispatch of convoys under the disguise of “humanitarian aid” on July 26, Azerbaijan continues its cooperation with the ICRC, provides the passage of Armenian residents for medical purposes and facilitates the transport of medical supplies by the ICRC.
“Coming to the transportation of large amounts of cargo to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan made a proposal to utilize “Aghdam-Khankendi” and other alternative routes, taking into account threats originating from Armenia.
“Despite the fact that this proposal of Azerbaijan is being supported by international partners, including the European Union and the ICRC, obstacles and prevention of transportation of goods by blocking the roads by Armenia and those who present themselves as representatives of the Armenian residents is a clear proof that the speculations on the “tense humanitarian situation” is nothing than political manipulation.
“Azerbaijan, besides being committed to its international obligations, will resolutely prevent attempts to legitimize illegal activity on its territories.”
6:50 a.m.: Armenia’s Ambassador to the UN Mher Margaryan met with UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russel to discuss the humanitarian crisis in blockaded Nagorno-Karabakh and its impact on the lives of children affected by the disruption of the Lachin Corridor and denial of humanitarian aid by Azerbaijan.
1:26 a.m.: Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan stated that the humanitarian convoy of Armenia is waiting to enter Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin Corridor. “Meanwhile Azerbaijan is failing to implement legally-binding order of ICJ to ensure unimpeded access. In addition inhuman and cynical statements that ‘game is over’ aired from Baku,” he said
July 26
11:46 p.m.: Armenian ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan responded to Hikmet Hajiyev: “I have to say that Hikmet Hajiyev’s words should be interpreted as wishful thinking, trying to present his desire as a reality. There was no such agreement in Brussels and this can be easily checked and verified by the closing statement of Charles Michel.”
11:32 p.m.: EU High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement on Nagorno-Karabakh:
“The European Union is deeply concerned about the serious humanitarian situation affecting the local population in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. The movement through the Lachin corridor remains obstructed for more than seven months, despite Orders by the International Court of Justice to reopen it.
“Medical supplies and essential goods are in short supply or have already run out, with dire consequences for the local population. It is incumbent on the Azerbaijani authorities to guarantee safety and freedom of movement along the Lachin corridor imminently and not to permit the crisis to escalate further.
“We took note of the expressed readiness of the Azerbaijani authorities to also supply goods via the city of Aghdam. This should not be seen as an alternative to the reopening of the Lachin corridor. The EU also notes that ICRC activities in the region have been heavily impacted and calls for their full resumption, including medical evacuations and humanitarian supplies. The EU stresses that humanitarian access must not be politicized by any actors.
“The European Union, and in particular President of the European Council Charles Michel, has been heavily engaged in supporting the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as in promoting a dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert/Khankendi. This also requires the genuine commitment of all sides to negotiated outcomes and a future built on common interests and mutual trust.”
11:31 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) reported: “By our presence, EUMA keeps Brussels and EU Member states informed on the security developments at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas, including at the entrance to the Lachin corridor. Our reporting contributes to the EU’s efforts in supporting the peace process in the region.”
11:11 p.m.: Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev responded to Pashinyan: “As agreed in Brussels, Agdam-Khankandi road is fully operational for delivering all kinds of goods. But not allowed to use this road, exploiting local inhabitants as hostage/organizing imitative delivery of goods is nothing but political speculation, manipulation and blackmailing.”
11:05 p.m.: Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada responded to Pashinyan: “This is a pure provocation and a manipulation by the Armenian side. Dispatch of car convoys to the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan, under the disguise of ‘humanitarian aid’ and without Azerbaijan’s consent, is an attack on its territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
10:14 p.m.: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tweeted: “We cannot turn a blind eye to the situation that Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are currently facing. The 360 tons of vitally important food-stuff sent to Nagorno-Karabakh is exclusively for humanitarian purposes.”
9:40 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the Armenian humanitarian convoy, calling it a “provocation”.
“The fact that the Armenian side took such a step right after the negotiations in Moscow, where among others, detailed discussions on the current situation were held, shows that this country is not sincere in the process, and while escalating the situation, intends to mislead international community.
“This provocation once again demonstrates that Armenia’s claims of “tense humanitarian situation in the region” are nothing more than the intention to “continue manipulation and illegal activities by this country.”
“Despite the fact that the Azerbaijani side put forward a number of proposals, including the use of the ‘Aghdam-Khankendi’ road and other alternative routes, to meet the needs of the Armenian residents, that were supported by the European Union and the International Committee of the Red Cross, opposition by Armenian side to all the proposals, including the transportation of goods by the ICRC through the roads mentioned by Azerbaijan, obstruction of relevant humanitarian activities, blockage of access to the territory by placing concrete barriers on alternative roads, demonstrates that Armenian claims about the humanitarian situation are nothing than a political blackmail. In addition to politicizing humanitarian activities, these steps by Armenia once again prove that they are in contradiction with their statements regarding the recognition of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Involving the European Union Mission in Armenia and the diplomatic corps as a tool in the aforementioned provocation demonstrates that this was a pre-planned action.
“We once again demand to stop such provocations by Armenia.”
7:12 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) reported that its head, Markus Ritter, together with EU monitors “closely follows the ongoing movement on the road leading to the entrance of the Lachin corridor from the Armenian side to get first-hand and verified information on current developments.”
7 p.m.: Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev briefed the ambassadors of the EU, Turkey, United States, Switzerland in Baku about the situation on the ground and road passage:
“Armenia is engaged in political manipulation and speculation on the Lachin road issue, which is functional for medical evacuations and deliveries.
“In Brussels it was agreed that Agdam-Khankandi road will be used for bigger volume of deliveries. It was also reiterated in ICRC statement. Insisting for using only Lachin road but refusing Agdam road, putting road blocks and politicizing it is unacceptable.
“Puppet ‘leaders’ of separatists in Khankandi keep local population as hostage for their own political ambitions. Instead of theatrical scenes and bringing trucks as a matter of show to Lachin check point.
“Armenia should stop its territorial claims against Azerbaijan, withdraw elements of its forces from Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and cease financing illegal puppet regime. Disarmament of all illegal forces must be ensured.
“International community should send a clear signal about usage of Agdam-Khankandi road and reintegration of Armenian inhabitants of Karabakh to Azerbaijan.
“There is no other way! Game is Over!”
2:43 p.m.: In a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions and the representatives of international organizations accredited in Armenia this morning, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan briefed the diplomats on the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. He noted that the total blockade of Artsakh since June 15 “has led to an acute shortage of food, medicine, fuel and other essential goods.”
He also briefed them about the Armenian government’s decision to deliver around 360 tons of essential humanitarian goods to Nagorno-Karabakh and “underscored the importance of a clear signal from the international community to Azerbaijan to implement the legally binding Orders of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6 on ensuring the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo in both directions through the Lachin corridor was emphasized.”
“At the end of the meeting, the heads of diplomatic missions and the representatives of international organizations toured the humanitarian relief trucks parked in the adjacent area of the MFA building, inspecting the types of goods included in the consignment of humanitarian cargo,” the Armenian MFA stated.
1:15 p.m.: Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan stated that the results of the ministerial meeting in Moscow are not acceptable for Stepanakert. He called on countries and international organizations to follow Armenia’s example and send humanitarian aid to Nagorno-Karabakh. He also ended his sit-in arguing that it has “produced some results in attracting international attention.”
11:30 a.m.: Toivo Klaar, EU’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus, tweeted: “The ICRC is doing a tremendous job in very challenging circumstances on the ground. It is important that they are able to operate freely. The EU is taking their warnings seriously.”
10:15 a.m.: “Today, 20 trucks will deliver 400 tons of humanitarian aid to Kornidzor, from where it is planned to transfer it to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, who have been under siege for 227 days, through Russian peacekeepers,” states Armenian Prime Minister’s office.
Vardan Sargsyan, a representative of the Armenian government task force managing the Nagorno-Karabakh humanitarian crisis response, stated that they have “appealed to the Russian peacekeeping forces to deliver humanitarian aid to Nagorno-Karabakh.” The aid includes flour, cooking oil, baby food and other food products.
July 25
11:32 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the trilateral meeting in Moscow. It states that Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov “stressed that the allegations on the humanitarian situation in the region are completely unfounded, and is political manipulation.”
It noted that Azerbaijan “provides passage through the checkpoint to Armenian residents for medical purposes” and said the Armenian side’s “opposition to all proposals including the utilization of the Aghdam-Khankendi [Stepanakert] , as well as other alternative routes demonstrate both their insidious intentions, and confirms that the claims on the humanitarian situation is a political blackmail.”
Bayramov “emphasized that the cessation of attempts to interfere with Azerbaijan’s reintegration of Armenians living in its sovereign territories, the unconditional confirmation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Armenia in words and deeds, as well as the withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces, which are still fully present in the territory of Azerbaijan contrary to Armenia’s obligations, are the most necessary conditions for ensuring peace in the region.”
11 p.m.: Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the trilateral ministerial meeting. Lavrov “emphasized the need to unblock the Lachin corridor and restore normal life in Nagorno-Karabakh as soon as possible.”
9:47 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan welcomed the ICRC raising the alarm about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, but called on it to “stop attempts to legitimize Azerbaijan’s baseless proposals to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in Akna (Aghdam).”
“In addition, in this context, the deliberate avoidance of using the name Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh in the official statement of the ICRC offends the feelings and dignity of the people of Artsakh,” Stepanyan added.
9:31 p.m.: After the trilateral meeting with foreign ministers Ararat Mirzoyan of Armenia and Jeyhun Bayramov of Azerbaijan in Moscow, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov issued a press statement. He said they discussed “the regional agenda, primarily concerning the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding areas.”
“We presented our assessments to our counterparts, taking into account the reports provided by Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, regarding the urgent and prompt actions needed to ensure the supply of food, medicine, and essential goods to the people of Karabakh, as well as uninterrupted electricity and gas supply. This is crucial for the well-being of ordinary people, Armenians, and residents of the region,” Lavrov stated.
He said Russia is interested in resolving the crisis as soon as possible, in accordance with the trilateral statements made by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in 2020, 2021, 2022. He said Russia expects the signing of a peace treaty between the parties, but many “complex and important issues need to be resolved.”
“One of the most sensitive issues has been and remains the guarantee of the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in the context of ensuring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity in full accordance with the 1991 Declaration signed by the leaders of the former Soviet republics in Alma-Ata. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by both Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership. The work on a peace treaty is being built accordingly.
“The Armenian side understands the necessity of convincing the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to hold prompt meetings with Azerbaijani representatives to coordinate the rights arising from the relevant legislation and international obligations (in this case, Azerbaijan’s obligations), including numerous conventions on ensuring the rights of national minorities.
“On a reciprocal basis, the Azerbaijani side is ready to provide the same guarantees to those living on its territory. Armenians are prepared to do the same regarding the application of all conventions to citizens living in the Republic of Armenia,” he said.
9:06 p.m.: An Armenian government task force on the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, led by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan, discussed the situation there and “made decisions regarding urgent humanitarian aid in food and medicine to the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
8:43 p.m.: Freedom House urges Azerbaijan to allow the ICRC to provide “vital humanitarian assistance to Nagorno Karabakh & immediately work to ensure freedom of movement by opening the Lachin corridor, guaranteeing unrestricted movement of individuals, vehicles & cargo.”
“The deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region has deprived civilians of life-saving medication and essential goods. We urge democratic governments to exert pressure on Azerbaijan, calling for an end to the deliberate starvation of innocent civilians.”
8 p.m.: Simultaneous rallies, attended by thousands, were held in Yerevan’s Freedom Square and Stepanakert’s Revival Square calling for unblocking of the Lachin Corridor and supporting Artsakh’s right of self-determination. At the Yerevan rally speakers included Archbishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan of the Artsakh diocese, archaeologist Hamlet Petrosyan, Armenia’s former human rights ombudsman Larisa Alaverdyan. The rallies concluded with marches to the military cemeteries of Stepanakert and Yerablur in Yerevan.5:25 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded to the ICRC’s statement.
“Along with preventing attempts of Armenia for illegal actions, the Azerbaijani side has continued important cooperation with the ICRC. Following the discussions held by Azerbaijan with the ICRC, conditions were created within necessary regulations for the continuation of the passage of Armenian residents through the border checkpoint for medical purposes by the ICRC, and dozens of Armenian residents passed through the checkpoint in both directions on a daily basis.
“Moreover, assistance was offered by Azerbaijan for transportation and delivery of larger quantities of medicine and cargo using the ‘Aghdam-Khankendi’ road. Unfortunately, however, the Armenian side adamantly refuses this offer.
“Furthermore, the visit of the ICRC medical personnel to the area to further assist in the passage of Armenian residents through the border checkpoint with the facilitation of ICRC was also regrettably refused on-site despite the previous agreements.
“The opposition of the Armenian side to the steps taken by Azerbaijan, as well as its intention to assist, including the proposals to use the ‘Aghdam-Khankendi’ and other alternative roads as mentioned in the ICRC statement, once again proves that the claims of ‘tense humanitarian situation’ in the region are a means of political manipulation and pressure.
“It is important to comply with the humanitarian mandate of the ICRC, and refrain from the abuse of this mandate for political purposes.”
5:15 p.m.: Giorgi Gogia, associate director of Europe and Central Asia Division at Human Rights Watch, states that “tens of thousands of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh are facing lack of life-saving medication and essential goods” and added that “Azerbaijan should immediately ensure unimpeded access!”
4:36 p.m.: The ICRC released a statement on Nagorno-Karabakh, noting that despite “persistent efforts”, it is “not currently able to bring humanitarian assistance to the civilian population through the Lachin Corridor or through any other routes, including Aghdam.” It called on decision makers to allow the ICRC to “resume its essential humanitarian operations in the area.”
“Tens of thousands of people rely on humanitarian aid reaching them through these routes. The civilian population is now facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials like hygiene products and baby formula. Fruits, vegetables, and bread are increasingly scarce and costly, while some other food items such as dairy products, sunflower oil, cereal, fish, and chicken are not available. The last time the ICRC was allowed to bring medical items and essential food items into the area was several weeks ago,” it said.
ICRC’s regional director for Eurasia, Ariane Bauer added: “Our humanitarian aid convoys are a lifeline for the population in this area. With these convoys blocked, our concern is that the humanitarian situation will further deteriorate. We are most worried about those who cannot help themselves. The sick and people with chronic diseases are particularly at risk, as are the elderly, infirm and children. For us to operate here, we need the sides to reach a humanitarian consensus. This is life-saving work, and it must be allowed to continue.”
“The ICRC is continuing its bilateral dialogue with the sides and stands ready to continue its humanitarian work once such a consensus is found,” it concluded.
Overall, the ICRC has evacuated more than 600 people in urgent need of medical care since December 2022, when the Lachin Corridor was first blocked.
1:30 p.m.: Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan formally declared Nagorno-Karabakh a “disaster zone” amid the total blockade.
“Right now Artsakh is the only territory in the world to be in total isolation and under blockade, without any humanitarian aid or international presence,” he said, warning that it could turn into a “concentration camp” if his declaration fails to garner international aid.
He appealed to António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, to “display moral and political responsibility and leadership to warn the international community on the grave situation facing the people of Artsakh” and asked him to “launch, without hesitation and delay, the UN system to resolve this situation.”
Harutyunyan said the Azerbaijani government’s claim that Nagorno-Karabakh is its domestic matter is similar to what the Nazi leaders tried to represent as justifications for their actions during the Nuremberg trials. He added that Azerbaijan seeks to “close the page of the conflict by force.”
1 p.m.: At a press conference, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made several remarks about Nagorno-Karabakh.
Referring to Charles Michel’s July 15 statement after the Brussels meeting with Pashinyan and Aliyev, in which he “noted” and endorsed “Azerbaijan’s willingness to provide humanitarian supplies via Aghdam,” Pashinyan said he did not discuss the question because he does not have a mandate.
“I have a mandate to discuss the issue of the Lachin Corridor, because it was created by the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020, of which I am one of the signatories,” he argued.
Pashinyan stated that his administration maintains permanent contact with the authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh to find opportunities or approaches that could help mitigate the humanitarian crisis.
9:21 a.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded to Pashinyan’s op-ed in Le Monde, saying he made “groundless allegations about the situation in the region.”
It said that Armenia “has to understand that the establishment of a checkpoint in Lachin is completely in line with international law. This measure was undertaken to prevent the malign actions by Armenia and the existence of the checkpoint is not a subject of discussion.”
Azerbaijan’s MFA said that the refusal by the Armenian side to use the Aghdam-Stepanakert road to “meet the needs of the Armenian residents of Karabakh region … demonstrates that allegations about ‘grave humanitarian situation’ in the region do not reflect the reality.” It dismissed what it called “allegations” about blockade, claiming that the “passage of dozens of Armenian residents through the checkpoint in both directions on a daily basis” by the ICRC points to the opposite.
July 24
9:09 p.m.: Russian peacekeepers reported a ceasefire violation in the Martuni region.
8:13 p.m.: Zara Amatuni, ICRC spokesperson in Yerevan, told Sputnik Armenia that the ICRC is ready to resume the supply of humanitarian goods to Nagorno-Karabakh upon the agreement of the parties. “We are ready to work and support the civilian population, of course having the consent of the parties for our movement. Talks on this issue continue,” she said.
7:52 p.m.: In an op-ed in the French newspaper Le Monde, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan writes that the international community “should undertake bold steps to stop the Sarajevo-style siege of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
6:36 p.m.: Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan made an appeal to the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia prior to their meeting in Moscow tomorrow.
“I am once again sounding the alarm about the urgent need to immediately end the 225-day blockade of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) by Azerbaijan, including the 40-day full siege, which is leading to a deepening humanitarian disaster in Artsakh,” he said.
“After the [2020] war, the people of Artsakh had faith in the guarantees established by the Tripartite Declaration, particularly relying on the mission of the Russian peacekeeping troops, as they returned to their homes and started rebuilding their lives.
“As the President of Artsakh Republic, empowered by the mandate given to me by my people, I demand that the parties involved in the Tripartite Declaration of November 9, 2020, take concrete steps to promptly restore the legal regime in the Lachin Corridor and ensure the security of the people of Artsakh, adhering to the obligations stipulated in the Tripartite Declaration. After providing the minimum conditions for the well-being of our people, it will be possible to address all aspects of the conflict and discuss potential solutions in a more favorable environment.
“It is crucial that the parties involved in the Tripartite Declaration act immediately to resolve the catastrophic situation; otherwise, they will bear the main responsibility for any impending tragedies.
“Prevent further ethnic cleansing!” Harutyunyan stressed.
6:17 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures reported that public transport in the entire territory of Artsakh will completely cease as fuel reserves have run out.
6:01 p.m.: Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan attended the summit of the European Corporate Council of Africa and the Middle East (ECAM Council) in Rome, where he delivered a speech, which also covered the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“There is a real threat of ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan, and there is an urgent need to address the issues of fundamental rights and security of the 120,000 Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh,” he stated, adding that “Azerbaijan continues to blockade Nagorno Karabakh, enjoying complete impunity.”
“In light of this humanitarian catastrophe, we cannot remain silent and indifferent, but should act decisively and without delay to prevent the looming tragedy,” Khachaturyan said.
5:35 p.m.: Artsakh’s National Security Service reports that Artsakh residents are receiving calls from Azerbaijan telling them, in Russian, that they can travel to Armenia via Azerbaijan (Baku) and they will guarantee their safety.
5:33 p.m.: In a meeting in Rome, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN and Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, “discussed developments in the South Caucasus and the situation around the Lachin corridor.”
Guterres “reiterated his support for the ongoing multi-pronged efforts and high-level dialogue in search for long-term peaceful solutions in the South Caucasus,” says the official readout.
2:25 p.m.: Eleven patients were transferred by the ICRC from Artsakh to Armenia for medical treatment. Twenty children and 76 adults are currently being treated in Stepanakert hospitals, including seven children and 12 adults in intensive care units.
2:07 p.m.: Artsakh’s Interior Ministry reports that a farmer working his tractor near the village of Shosh came under Azerbaijani fire at 11:20 a.m.
12:15 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan calls for an “urgent international intervention” to stop the humanitarian catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh.
12 p.m.: A new civil initiative called “Opening” (Batsum) has been staging protests in front of the United Nations building in Yerevan calling for the opening of the Lachin Corridor. Members of the initiative have been collecting food to be transported to the people of Artsakh. Today, they issued a statement and appealed to the UN to “deliver the entire humanitarian cargo collected in front of the UN Armenia office to the people of Artsakh without wasting time.” According to the organizers, the goal of “Opening” is to advocate and achieve the opening of the vital road (Lachin Corridor) connecting the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Artsakh.
Photos by Ani Ghulinyan.
July 23
5:35 p.m.: Armenia’s former President Serzh Sargsyan appealed to Presidents Biden, Putin, and Macron asking them to intervene and stop the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.
“Today, the physical existence of 120,000 Artsakh residents is literally at risk. We have talked with each of you on many occasions about the Armenian Genocide that happened in 1915 and its consequences. Today, 108 years later, we are very close to repeating those horrific events with modern methods,” he stated. Sargsyan said that the situation in Artsakh is “leading to a terrible disaster.”
“I am asking to give the people of Artsakh a chance to live,” he said. “I am asking you, above all else, to stop the humanitarian disaster in Artsakh. I believe you can do it. Make the dictator open the way to life,” Sargsyan said. “Tomorrow may be late.”
2:01 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijani forces opened fire in the direction of a combine harvester working in the fields of Sarushen between 10 a.m. and 12:50 p.m.
July 22
8:01 p.m.: Armenia’s Human Rights Ombudsman Anahit Manasyan calls on international organizations and other actors to make efforts to prevent an impending ethnic cleansing in Artsakh. She noted that the actions by Baku are aimed at denying the people of Artsakh their fundamental rights and that their state-sponsored policy of Armenophobia pursues a singular aim – to depopulate Artsakh from its Armenian population through deepening the humanitarian crisis.
3:47 p.m.: Parliament speakers of Armenia and Artsakh, Alen Simonyan and Artur Tovmasyan, had a telephone conversation and discussed the humanitarian situation in Artsakh.
3:08 p.m.: Artsakh’s Health Ministry reports that the ICRC facilitated the transfer of 13 patients to Armenia. It added that 13 patients from Armenia are expected to return to Artsakh from Armenia. More than 200 patients are awaiting transfer to hospitals in Armenia.
July 21
8:51 p.m.: A demonstration in solidarity with Artsakh was held in Yerevan’s Myasnikyan Square. Protesters called on action to be taken against the blockade. Larisa Alaverdyan, Armenia’s former human rights ombudsperson, called on the UN and its World Food Programme (WFP) to ensure the food security of the people of Artsakh.
7:10 p.m.: In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia’s red lines in the negotiation process with Azerbaijan are “Armenia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh.”
Pashinyan stated that “we are not speaking about political or inter-ethnic conflict, we are talking about ongoing process of genocide, and not just its preparation.” He said Azerbaijan is creating a Nazi-style “ghetto” in Nagorno-Karabakh — a “ghetto, in the most literal meaning of the word.”
Pashinyan reiterated that Armenia’s position on the issue of rights and security is to have a Baku-Stepanakert dialogue with an international mechanism. “Given the disproportion of strength between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan, we think that if we leave Stepanakert and Baku face to face, Baku will have the opportunity of either turning that agenda into oblivion, or have a monologue and not a dialogue,” he argued.
3:40 p.m.: At the opening ceremony of the “Shusha Global Media Forum”, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made several remarks on Nagorno-Karabakh.
He said that the “issue of reintegration depends on when the Armenian residents of Karabakh will be able to get rid of these shackles, of this junta that took them hostage and exploited them as slaves.” He referred to Artsakh’s president, ministers, and parliamentarians as part of a “junta that seized power in Karabakh.”
“Today they put up concrete blocks on the Aghdam-Asgaran [Askeran] road again. When you say, ‘Why do products have to be shipped from another country? After all, Karabakh is Azerbaijan.’ Right? It is, isn’t it? Doesn’t everyone recognize it as such? Everyone recognizes it. Does anyone say it is not? No! And why should goods be delivered from another country? This is illogical. But instead of accepting this gesture, concrete blocks were placed there. So, who is blocking whom? This is the whole point,” Aliyev stated, referring to Artsakh’s refusal to receive goods from Azerbaijan via Aghdam.
He called Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan’s sit-in a “comedy show”. “It is just a joke, you know. People who call themselves ‘president’ protest, do a sit-in strike – we have some journalists joking that the next stage will probably be a lying down strike. Whatever it is, it won’t help the case,” Aliyev said.
“We still have not lost hope that the sensible part of society that lives in Khankendi and its environs will understand the futility of ignoring Azerbaijan and common sense will prevail. Otherwise, I think that only naive people can count on the fact that someone will come and fight for them,” Aliyev continued.
“They [the Artsakh leadership] appealed to different authorities, to different countries starting with neighboring ones and ending with some countries that are located further away. But no-one in the right mind will fight against us on the territory of Azerbaijan for them,” he stated.
“If Armenians want to talk about rights and securities of Armenians in Karabakh, then we want to talk about rights and securities of Azerbaijanis in Zangazur, in Goycha, and in Yerevan,” Aliyev stated in reference to Armenian territory of Syunik and the Lake Sevan area.
2 p.m.: In an interview with the Austrian daily Der Standard, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot normalize their relations “without taking into account the security and rights of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
When asked about a way out of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Mirozyan replied: “The humanitarian situation is dire, we are close to a humanitarian catastrophe. Therefore, we urgently need clear international support.” He added: “First of all, we need immediate humanitarian intervention to save 120,000 people from starvation. Then we can continue negotiations with everyone who is interested in establishing lasting peace in the region.”
11:16 p.m.: In an interview with Armenia’s Public TV, Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan stated that Azerbaijan has required all patients being transferred from Artsakh to Armenia be examined by Azerbaijani doctors at the Lachin checkpoint, which he said is aimed “against the dignity of our citizens, putting them in an uncomfortable situation.”
He added that there are problems with garbage collection, which can cause serious epidemic and sanitary problems.
11:10 a.m.: Artsakh’s parliament adopted a statement, calling on the government of Armenia to “take immediate measures” to vest the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh with an international mandate by requesting the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly to take proper action to preserve peace and security in the region. The parliament further called on the permanent members of the UNSC to adopt a resolution and initiate practical measures to impose peace in Artsakh pursuant to the goals and principles enshrined in the UN Charter’s Chapter 1 and guided by Chapter 7.
July 20
4:49 p.m.: Vladik Hovhannisyan, the mayor of Chartar, in the Martuni region, told Artsakhpress that Azerbaijani forces regularly fire at civilians doing agricultural work.
1:19 p.m.: A peaceful protest continues near the headquarters of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in the Stepanakert airport area.
2:04 p.m.: Norway’s Ambassador to the OSCE Anne-Kirsti Karlsen stated that her country “has aligned itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union” and made additional remarks.
“We are deeply concerned about the traffic restrictions by Azerbaijan along the Lachin Corridor, which has caused severe humanitarian difficulties for the population in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to paragraph 6 of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, Azerbaijan must guarantee the security for persons, vehicles, and cargo moving in both directions. We reiterate in the strongest possible way our call on the government of Azerbaijan as well as the Russian Federation to restore free movement through the Lachin corridor. We are glad to see the ICRC’s medical evacuation restored, but the present situation is not nearly enough to guarantee the population of Nagorno-Karabakh access to proper health care as well as indispensable supplies,” she stated.
“Finally, I would like to underline that we have reached a critical point in this organization’s history. Standing at this crossroads, we must make the right decisions to contribute constructively, and proactively to finding solutions to common challenges. We appreciate Armenia’s latest efforts in this regard,” she concluded.
2:02 p.m.: In response to Ararat Mirzoyan’s speech, Azerbaijan’s representative at the OSCE again accused Armenia in “abusing the Lachin road for illegal purposes, such as the rotation of military personnel, transfer of weapons and ammunition, infiltration of terrorists, as well as trafficking of natural resources and cultural property” and the establishment of a checkpoint on the “Lachin road on the border was a necessary measure to put an end to these illegal practices.” He claimed that since April 23, when the checkpoint was set up, 1,927 persons have passed the checkpoint, “despite the relentless efforts and false propaganda by the Armenian side to dissuade them from using it.”
It said Armenia was “unable to digest the free movement from the checkpoint” and “resorted to another military provocation, firing in the direction of the checkpoint, that resulted in injury of one Azerbaijani border guard” on June 15 and “attempts to misuse the Lachin road for illegal activities” continued. The detection of “numerous attempts to smuggle various types of goods in the ICRC vehicles” demonstrated once again that “establishing a checkpoint was a long overdue measure to ensure transparency along the road.”
Azerbaijan again “expressed its readiness to facilitate the transportation of humanitarian supplies to the Armenian residents via the Aghdam-Khankendi road.” The representative dismissed the “the allegations of the so-called ‘blockade’ on the Lachin road” and argued that calls on “ensuring humanitarian deliveries should be directed at Armenia” because it “impedes the normal regulated passage through the road either by provocations or smear campaign.” It called on Armenia to stop “politicizing this humanitarian issue and not to impede delivery via the Aghdam-Khankendi road.”
The Azerbaijani representative stated that his country is “resolute to reintegrate its citizens of Armenian origin into its political, social, and economic space” and “guaranteeing equal rights to all of its citizens regardless of their national or ethnic origin.” He added that Azerbaijan has taken “consistent and successful efforts to interact with local Armenian residents, solving important issues of water, transportation and energy supply in the region” and has appointed a “Special Representative for the dialogue with local Armenian residents with a view to discussing issues pertinent to their reintegration,” but the Armenian side “has blocked the next round of discussions in Baku by putting forward irrelevant preconditions.”
1:54 p.m.: Armenia’s Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan told reporters that hospitals in Artsakh have suspended all planned surgeries and other procedures and reserves of medications are used only in urgent cases. “This situation constitutes a serious healthcare crisis because right now the entire process is disrupted, and medical supplies are not entering Artsakh,” she added.
1:30 p.m.: UK Ambassador to the OSCE Neil Holland stated that the UK “remains deeply concerned about the ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences for the local population.”
“We support the International Court of Justice order of February 2023 for Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions. The UK calls again on all parties to refrain from the politicization of humanitarian aid. In order for the civilian population to be protected, it is crucially important for organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross to be able to continue to carry out their work in this region, where their operations provide access to essential goods and services, including life-saving medication and health care.
“The UK has been clear that there is no military solution to this conflict and urges both sides to continue to engage in substantive negotiations towards a settlement. We recognise that any settlement should include provisions on protecting the rights of the local population in Nagorno-Karabakh. UK Ministers discussed this with Foreign Minister Bayramov during the recent UK-Azerbaijan strategic dialogue.
“We are therefore encouraged by President Michel’s trilateral meeting on 15th July with President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan, and hope momentum will be maintained towards an historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
1 p.m.: Alexander Lukashevich, the Russian representative at the OSCE delivered the following speech:
“Unfortunately, the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh is developing according to a negative scenario. The humanitarian crisis in this region is deepening. The local population is experiencing a severe shortage of food, medicine, essential goods, and is practically deprived of electricity and gas supply.
“Immediate measures must be taken to unblock the Lachin corridor, resume unrestricted movement of citizens, vehicles, and cargo in both directions, as well as the energy supply to the region.
“We also believe that under these conditions, the importance of promptly finalizing the text of a peace agreement between Baku and Yerevan based on the agreements reached becomes paramount. We proceed from the understanding that reliable and clear guarantees of the rights and security of the Armenians in Karabakh must become an integral part of this agreement, as well as the unwavering implementation of all provisions of the trilateral 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.
“Taking into account the above, the Russian side confirms its determination to energetically contribute to the restoration of normal life in Nagorno-Karabakh and the promotion of the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization process. We are ready to organize a trilateral meeting of foreign ministers in Moscow in the near future to discuss ways of implementing the agreements at the highest level, including the issue of coordinating the peace agreement, followed by a Russian-Azerbaijani-Armenian summit in Moscow to sign the mentioned document.”
12:53 p.m.: U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to the OSCE Katherine Brucker stated that the U.S. “continue[s] to believe efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace agreement, normalize relations, delimit and demarcate borders, open transportation and communication links, and ensure the rights and security of all residents in the Nagorno-Karabakh region are in the best interest of all stakeholders.”
“The United States recognizes ongoing tensions on the ground, including Azerbaijan’s recent closure of the Lachin corridor to all but some limited humanitarian traffic which threatens to worsen the humanitarian situation for the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. Cross-border incidents also threaten the momentum you have already worked hard to achieve. We again urge the sides to refrain from provocative, threatening, or hostile actions or rhetoric,” she added.
12:30 p.m.: At an OSCE Special Permanent Council meeting convened at the request of Armenia, the EU made a statement in response to the address by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.
It states that after the recent Brussels meeting of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Ilham Aliyev, and President of the European Council Charles Michel, the EU “expects the Azerbaijani side to take concrete steps in providing clear reassurances for the rights and security of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. All outstanding issues should be resolved through negotiations, without the use or threat of force.”
The statement added: “The EU has been repeatedly calling on the Azerbaijani authorities to fully ensure restoration of movement of goods and people along the Lachin corridor, in line with the ICJ Orders of February and July 2023, as well as unrestricted supplies of energy. Increased restrictions to such freedom of movement are causing significant distress among the local population. The EU is alarmed about the humanitarian impact resulting from the lack of food, medicines and other essential goods, as a result of current restrictions. The ban on ICRC transports to and from the region by Azerbaijani authorities has been worrisome. The current situation is not sustainable and creates tensions that run contrary to much-needed confidence-building efforts.”
12 p.m.: At the request of Armenia, an OSCE Special Permanent Council meeting was convened in Vienna.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan delivered a speech. He reminded of the International Court of Justice order of February 22, Azerbaijan illegally installing a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor on April 23, full blockade of the corridor on June 15, and the ICJ order of July 6, which reconfirmed its previous ruling. He stated that due to the 7-month-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor “the situation on the ground is rapidly deteriorating.” He identified energy and food security issues and the “disruption of the proper functioning of the healthcare system” as the most pressing issues from the humanitarian perspective.
Mirzoyan noted that since January 9, Azerbaijan has disrupted electricity supply from Armenia, resulting in six-hour power outages, a 48% decrease in electricity consumption, and depletion of local electricity production and supply systems. Since March 21, gas supply from Armenia has almost continuously been interrupted. Due to a fuel shortage, almost all agricultural work has halted, while the transport system is paralyzed. There is an “acute food shortage and closures of shops” as around 90% of all consumed food was imported from Armenia before the blockade. Azerbaijan further obstructs agricultural activities on approximately 10,000 hectares of land close to the contact line. “As a result, today the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are on the verge of hunger and starvation,” Mirzoyan stated.
Mirzoyan stated that the illegal blockade has resulted in violation of other fundamental rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the right to healthcare. The “growing shortage of medications and medical supplies, coupled with the ban on transporting medical patients to Armenia, poses an increasing threat to people’s lives and well-being” with vulnerable groups, like 2,000 pregnant women, around 30,000 children, 20,000 older persons and 9,000 persons with disabilities “struggling to survive under conditions of malnutrition.” Thousands of people with chronic conditions, including 4,687 individuals with diabetes and 8,450 individuals with circulatory diseases have been “almost without any medicine needed.” Artsakh’s pharmacies are “completely empty, unable to provide even first aid medicine.”
“In light of this humanitarian catastrophe, we cannot remain silent and indifferent, but should act decisively and without delay to prevent the looming tragedy,” Mirzoyan warned. He added that these actions are a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law and a breach of the Geneva Conventions and the Fourth Geneva Convention, in particular. Mirzoyan said Azerbaijan’s actions “intend to create unbearable conditions for living and aim to ethnically cleanse Nagorno-Karabakh.”
Mirzoyan reaffirmed that Armenia is ready to recognize Azerbaijan’s 86,600 square kilometers, which includes Nagorno-Karabakh, however with the “understanding that the issue of the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh must be discussed within a framework of an international mechanism, through Stepanakert-Baku dialogue. The respect for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan should not and could not be anyhow misinterpreted and used as a license for ethnic cleansings in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
Mirzoyan quoted several remarks from a May 28 speech of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in which he “publicly confessed his real intentions and reluctance to properly address the issue of guarantees of rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.” He argued that the “humanitarian catastrophe created by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh shows that without a viable international mechanism, no single Armenian will survive in Nagorno-Karabakh.” He stated that the “further deterioration of the situation on the ground in Nagorno-Karabakh risks to seriously harm the ongoing political process” between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He said “all the partners interested in peace and stability in the South Caucasus should take concrete actions” because the “situation is crystal clear: pressuring Azerbaijan to open the Lachin corridor will greatly contribute to the peace prospects of our region.”
Mirzoyan stated that the “current situation on the ground requires urgent attention of the international community” and emphasized sending a “needs assessment mission to Nagorno-Karabakh by relevant international organizations and humanitarian assistance to the affected population.”
He concluded his speech as follows:
“Let me once again emphasize that the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is disastrous and can have unpredictable consequences. We are not speaking about a looming crisis anymore; we speak about the ongoing humanitarian disaster. The medieval practices should be ceased. This cannot continue if we are serious about values and principles. The international community in general and the OSCE in particular cannot remain silent simply because the lives of 120 thousand people are at stake.”
“Silence, indifference and inaction are not an option anymore. International mechanisms should react swiftly within their mandated activities and existing instruments designed exactly for addressing such situations,” Mirozyan stated.
11 a.m.: At a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that that recent trilateral meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel in Brussels “did not provide any concrete result in terms of opening the Lachin Corridor and overcoming the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
Pashinyan reiterated that a dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku cannot be productive without international involvement and mechanisms, due to the fact that Baku continues its aggressive and threatening rhetoric against Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, with a goal to commit ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“This is no longer a theoretical claim, but a concrete plan being carried out through the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor, directly demonstrated by the complete absence of electricity, natural gas, food and other essential supplies into Nagorno-Karabakh aimed at making life in Nagorno-Karabakh impossible for Armenians,” he stated.
Pashinyan said that “our objective is to attract more international attention on the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh through diplomatic methods” and in the media and reiterated that the “need for sending an international fact-finding mission to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno Karabakh has become stronger.”
Pashinyan also stated that the “most constructive scenario for overcoming the situation” is the “formation of an international mechanism for dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku.”
10:16 a.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan’s office reports that the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is deteriorating by the hour. “All shops and groceries are empty. Complete absence of food and basic necessities inflict suffering on 120,000 people, including 30,000 children. The Ombudsman’s Office reports from the ground, documenting the disastrous humanitarian consequences and asking for immediate international intervention,” he stated.
July 19
10:02 p.m.: Vardges Osipov, the director of Stepanakert’s maternity hospital, stated that in the past month, miscarriages have nearly tripled, caused by stress and a lack of a balanced diet.
9:26 p.m.: In an interview with News.am, Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan stated that Armenia’s recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity contributed to Azerbaijan’s installation of a check-point on the Lachin Corridor.
10:27 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani claims that the Defense Army is carrying out reinforcement works in Askeran, which was allegedly disrupted by Azerbaijani actions at around 9:25 p.m. on July 18.
July 18
10:16 p.m.: After the meeting with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan in Vienna, Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg stated: “There is a humanitarian concern that greatly worries us – the blockade of the Lachin corridor. This blockade must end.”
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada responded that Schallenberg’s “one-sided comments” are “unacceptable” and “misrepresentation of the situation in the region.”
“Austria should not fall victim to fabrications spread by Armenia. Instead of repeating a false narrative, it is important to ask why do Armenians block assistance from Azerbaijan, including through alternative routes such as Aghdam-Khankendi road, if indeed there is a ‘humanitarian crisis’,” Hajizada said.
6:23 p.m.: In an interview with AlphaNews, the EU’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar stated:
“It is necessary to resume contacts between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, which should happen due to the opening of transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan, then the delivery of humanitarian cargo to Stepanakert from Aghdam in addition to deliveries from Armenia. In the end, all this must happen. Otherwise, how can we establish peace and take real steps towards reconciliation if there are no contacts? I understand the emotions involved. We have stated very clearly that the Lachin corridor needs to be opened. But at the same time, I believe that any proposals other than the Lachin corridor, not as an alternative to the Lachin corridor, but in addition to it, should also be used.”
12:04 p.m.: Artsakh authorities have denied reports claiming that representatives of the ICRC, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, are transporting humanitarian aid from Aghdam through Askeran, calling it disinformation.
July 17
10:12 p.m.: In an address to the nation, Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan stated that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the complete ban on the delivery of even humanitarian goods, the continuous disruption of gas and electricity supply, and regular military provocations are aimed at “suppressing and breaking the free will and right of self-determination of the people of Artsakh, to subjugate them by force and ultimately lead to ethnic cleansing.”
He said the “inalienable right to a dignified life and self-determination” of the people of Artsakh is “not subject to negotiation.” Harutyunyan insisted that the authorities of Artsakh have “always been open” to talks with Azerbaijan regarding “all the components of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict and the concerns of the parties”, it has always been a constructive side, but Azerbaijan “never wanted to have a real dialogue with us, encouraged by international impunity, choosing the path of increasing oppression and subjugation.”
He noted that hopes that various actors of the international community would lift the blockade have not been fulfilled and they have heard “only good words” and not “the practical implementation of either the Tripartite Declaration [of November 2020], the orders of the UN International Court of Justice, the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, or the calls of international organizations, individual states and other actors.”
Harutyunyan warned that the “complete siege” of Artsakh since mid-June has exacerbated the humanitarian situation so much that in a “few days, this condition will become much more severe with all its irreversible consequences.”
He announced that he will join the sit-in in Stepanakert’s Revival Square immediately after his speech, with the aim of attracting international attention to fulfill its obligations, and to “push the Armenian people and all our friends to active and immediate actions.” He said the Artsakh authorities expect that Armenia, Russia, the U.S., France, the European Union, the UN Security Council and others “will refrain from encouraging Azerbaijan and ignoring its further aggressive and criminal actions.”
“Joining the sit-in that has started is an extreme step towards the fulfillment of my constitutional, civil and national obligations, in this situation I have not found another more effective option,” Harutyunyan stated. “If within a week the situation of the people of Artsakh does not return to a more or less stable and normal state with international intervention, then after that we will resort to tougher actions both in Artsakh and outside of it,” he concluded.
8:38 p.m.: Ani Badalyan, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, told Armenpress that “Armenia consistently demands the lifting of the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, and this can be seen in all our discussions with partners.”
8:25 p.m.: Vitali Balasanyan, the former secretary of Artsakh’s Security Council, was released from jail after the Court of First Instance rejected the petition to keep him in pre-trial custody.
6:56 p.m.: In a meeting with Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloghlu, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko “confirmed the need for the complete and immediate unblocking of the Lachin Corridor, the resumption of transportation along it in both directions in accordance with the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, as well as the creation of conditions for the normal livelihood of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
In response to the Azerbaijani MFA’s latest “incorrect” remarks, Rudenko further confirmed that Russia “has always respected and continues to respect the territorial integrity” of Azerbaijan, but it does not “negate the task of comprehensive advancement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization process, the resolution of all issues on the agenda, including the provision of rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, exclusively through peaceful political and diplomatic methods.”
11:11 a.m.: On July 12, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) reaffirmed its earlier decision from December 21, 2022, which obliged Azerbaijan to take all necessary and sufficient measures to ensure the movement of seriously ill persons in need of medical care in Armenia through the Lachin Corridor. The ECHR thus reaffirmed the need by Azerbaijan to implement its earlier decision.
10:53 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire in the Martakert region at around 8:20 p.m. on July 16.
10:12 a.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan has called on people in Armenia to join their popular movement.
July 16
12:01 a.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded to the latest statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry on Nagorno-Karabakh, saying it “causes disappointment and misunderstanding.”
“This statement of the Foreign Ministry of Russia contradicts the Declaration on Allied Interaction between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation and the statements of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, including the Karabakh region.
“Russian MFA comments on and setting conditions for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the context of the recognition of Karabagh as part of Azerbaijan by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, a country that occupied the territories of Azerbaijan for nearly 30 years, is unacceptable.
“We remind that Azerbaijan put forward the five basic principles for the establishment of relations with Armenia after the 44-day Patriotic War, the proposal for the peace treaty, as well as the initiative for border delimitation while being the author of all the initial documents in these areas. Currently, Azerbaijan is taking practical steps to advance the peace treaty.
“Azerbaijan has also always stayed true to the trilateral statements signed between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia.
“Nevertheless, since the first day of the signing of the aforementioned trilateral statement, Armenia has not fulfilled many provisions of the statement, and Russia has not ensured the full implementation of the statement within its obligations.
“Despite repeated warnings by Azerbaijan about the facts on utilization of the Lachin road for illegal activities, the transportation of military equipment and landmines from Armenia to the territory of Azerbaijan, the rotation of illegal armed formations, as well as the illegal transportation of third-party citizens to Azerbaijan, no measures were taken to prevent the illegal activity.
“Azerbaijan has established the Lachin border checkpoint in accordance with the internal legislation of Azerbaijan as well as the international rules to prevent illegal activities and to ensure transparency. Over the past few months, hundreds of Armenian residents have been allowed to pass through this checkpoint in a well-regulated and transparent manner. Despite this, Armenia has not ceased its provocations against Azerbaijan and opened fire on the checkpoint on June 15, as well as attempted smuggling using the vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in July. In the face of all this, Azerbaijan facilitated the passage of Armenian residents through the ICRC and stated the existing opportunities to meet the possible needs of the Armenian residents through the Aghdam-Khankendi road.
“In this context, it is clear that the attempts to politicize the establishment of the Lachin border checkpoint, which is the sovereign right of Azerbaijan, as well as the statements on the alleged humanitarian crisis in the region are baseless.
“Notwithstanding the above-mentioned facts, the complete withdrawal of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces existing in the territory of Azerbaijan has not yet been ensured contrary to the 2020 Trilateral Statement, to which the Russian Federation is a party. On the contrary, Armenian armed forces are supported under the supervision of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.
“It is also well-known that the unhindered communication between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is obstructed under various pretexts.
“Azerbaijan is interested in ensuring peace in the region and will continue its efforts in this area.”
July 15
7:28 p.m.: After the trilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, President of the European Council Charles Michel made a statement, including the following on Nagorno-Karabakh.
On humanitarian supplies, Michel said:
“We discussed the situation of the Karabakh Armenian population and the situation around the Lachin corridor. The current state of affairs is clearly not sustainable and is in no one’s interest.
We also discussed possible concrete steps to help bring the situation back to normal.
“I emphasized the need to open the Lachin road. I also noted Azerbaijan’s willingness to provide humanitarian supplies via Aghdam. I see both options as important and encourage humanitarian deliveries from both sides to ensure the needs of the population are met.
“I also welcomed the resumption of medical evacuations by the ICRC.”
On the rights and security, Michel stated:
“The population on the ground needs reassurances, first and foremost regarding their rights and security.
“In this context, I expressed the EU’s encouragement for direct dialogue between Baku and representatives of Armenians living in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast.
“This dialogue should provide much-needed confidence for all those involved.”
3:23 p.m.: The Russian Foreign Ministry issued the following statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh:
“In October 2022 and May 2023, at summits under the auspices of the European Union, Armenia recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan’s territory. We respect the sovereign decision of the Armenian leadership; however, this radically changed the fundamental conditions under which the Statement by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia was signed on November 9, 2020, as well as the position of the Russian peacekeeping contingent deployed in the region.
“We believe that under these circumstances, the responsibility for the fate of the Armenian population of Karabakh should not be shifted to third countries. It is necessary to immediately begin preparing a peace agreement between Baku and Yerevan, based on previously reached agreements.
“We proceed from the fact that an integral part of this agreement should be reliable and clear guarantees of the rights and security of the Armenians of Karabakh, as well as the unconditional implementation of the entire complex of trilateral agreements between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, including the unblocking of transport communications and the launch of the process of delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
“In light of the above, the Russian side confirms its readiness to actively contribute to the efforts of the international community to restore normal life in Nagorno-Karabakh. We are ready to organize a trilateral meeting of foreign ministers in Moscow in the near future to discuss ways to implement agreements at the highest level, including the issue of coordinating the peace agreement, followed by a Russian-Azerbaijani-Armenian summit in Moscow for the signing of the mentioned document.
“We are concerned that the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh is developing along a negative scenario today. The humanitarian crisis in this territory is deepening. The local population is experiencing a severe shortage of food, medicines, and basic necessities and is practically deprived of electricity and gas supply. This may lead to the most dramatic consequences for the Karabakh Armenians – ordinary residents of the region.
“We strongly urge the Azerbaijani leadership to take urgent measures to immediately unblock the Lachin corridor, restore unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles, and goods in both directions, as well as the energy supply to the region.”
12:11 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 9:50 a.m., Azerbaijan opened fire in the direction of civilians doing agricultural work in the village of Nerkin Sznek of Askeran district.
11:21 a.m.: At the request of Arayik Harutyunyan, President of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan passed on Harutyunyan’s letter to the President of the European Council Charles Michel.
July 14
8:32 p.m.: At a meeting with Aleksandr Lentsov, the commander of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh, Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan, Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan, Interior Minister Karen Sargsyan, and parliamentarian Artur Harutyunyan conveyed the demands of the popular rally.
Nersisyan stated that Lentsov agreed that there is a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is being exacerbated and that he regularly informs Moscow about the situation on the ground.
8:23 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire in the Martuni region at around 7:20 p.m. with 82 mm mortars.
7:36 p.m.: The ICRC facilitated the transfer of 11 patients from Artsakh to Armenia.
5:28 p.m.: Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan has sent letters to the heads of all UN Security Council member states, the UN Secretary General, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, the President of the European Council, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, to draw their attention to the “escalating security and humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, which is rapidly evolving into a full-blown disaster.”
He noted that the food shortage is worsening, especially considering that prior to the blockade, around 90% of all consumed food was imported from Armenia. Lack of fuel has heavily hindered agricultural work. Private transportation has nearly come to a standstill, while public transportation has been reduced by half. The growing shortage of medications and medical supplies “poses an increasing threat to people’s lives and well-being”, while due to the lack of “essential food and vitamins, approximately 2,000 pregnant women and around 30,000 children are struggling to survive under conditions of malnutrition.” More than 60% of the private sector workforce has become unemployed.
Harutyunyan said Artsakh’s “complete blockade” and “its isolation from the outside world, pursued with the intermediate goal of forcibly subjugating the people of Artsakh, deepens the humanitarian crisis and sets the stage for the transformation of Azerbaijan’s ongoing crimes against humanity into the crime of genocide. Through these actions, Azerbaijan deliberately creates unbearable conditions for the people of Artsakh, with the clear intention of depopulating the region and annihilating its people.” He also noted that “Azerbaijan’s aggressive and criminal activities have been fueled by the prevailing sense of impunity within the international community.”
2:28 p.m.: After protesters arrived at the headquarters of the Russian peacekeepers, Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan stated that he will hold a meeting with their commander to communicate their demand to reopen the Lachin Corridor.
1:46 p.m.: Participants of the Stepanakert rally headed towards the headquarters of the Russian peacekeepers in the outskirts of Stepanakert to demand them to secure free movement in the Lachin Corridor.
1:08 p.m.: At a briefing in parliament, Artur Hovhannisyan, the secretary of the ruling Civil Contract’s parliamentary faction, stated that the Armenian authorities are doing everything to raise awareness about the consequences of the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh and to mitigate the dire humanitarian situation by working with international partners.
11:28 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at 11 a.m. Azerbaijani forces fired at Artsakh positions in the Shushi region with 82 mm mortars and RPG-7 grenade launchers.
10:08 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refuted Azerbaijani claims that its forces have fired on Azerbaijani positions in the Askeran region.
9:48 a.m.: The leaders of Artsakh, including President Araryik Harutyunyan, State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan, parliament speaker Artur Tovmasyan are attending the nationwide rally in Stepanakert.
In his speech Nersisyan stated that in the past month, with the complete blockade of Artsakh, they hoped that the international community, Russia, and Armenia will take “decisive steps to stop the course of this deadly disaster, but it turned out that everyone was just watching it all as an observer.” He addressed the international community, Armenia and Russia: “What are you waiting for? Do you want us to have dead bodies at this square for you to react?”
9:22 a.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Dragana Kojic, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation in Azerbaijan, discussed the “latest situation on the Lachin border checkpoint, as well as the work of the ICRC in Khankendi, Azerbaijan.”
Bayramov stated “in addition to the firing at the checkpoint on June 15, the efforts of Armenian-origin drivers to bring smuggled products to Azerbaijan in the vehicles belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross are part of Armenian side’s attempts to interfere with the sovereignty of Azerbaijan, and indicates no intention to abandon illegal activities.” Bayramov “commended” the ICRC’s July 11 statement and “emphasized that it is necessary to prevent such cases [of “smuggling”] in the future.”
Bayramov further stated the “possibility of continuing the passage of Armenian residents through the border checkpoint for medical purposes with the support of the ICRC, following the necessary rules” and reminded that the “needs of the Armenian residents” can be provided by “Azerbaijani side using the Aghdam-Khankendi road.”
12:29 a.m.: Vitali Balasanyan, the former secretary of Artsakh’s Security Council, has been arrested. His lawyer said he is suspected of assaulting a government representative or their relative, or threatening violence related to their official duties. According to Aravot, his son, brother, and a cousin were also detained.
July 13
8:14 p.m.: In a video address posted online, Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan called for a nationwide rally in Stepanakert’s Revival (Renaissance) Square at 9 a.m on July 14.
In his call, Nersisyan noted that Artsakh is not self-sufficient and regardless of how sparingly they are used, Artsakh’s resources “will run out one day” and result in “catastrophic and irreversible losses and consequences.”
He said the “silence and near-inaction” of Armenia, Russia, and the international community is leading to a scenario where people start dying in hospitals due to the lack of basic medical care and medicine, where the health of children deteriorates due to malnutrition, where elderly, citizens with health problems and pregnant women have to beg for food or vitamins, where the authorities cannot deliver food to the regions of Artsakh, where there is no regular drinking water, where we start to find frozen corpses apartments.
“I am sure that the people of Artsakh do not deserve all that and they should not be subjected to such trials. Therefore, you should sober up and stand up,” he stated. “And now, when the people of Artsakh are facing the gravest dangers, when the physical safety of our people is not only not guaranteed, but we also have the mortal danger of physical destruction, we must stand up and start a popular movement.”
He called on the people of Armenia to not be silent and join the popular movement by taking action in front of the Armenian authorities and international actors represented in Armenia. He called on diaspora Armenians to not be silent and indifferent, to raise awareness about the “genocide of the 21st century”. He called on Armenians worldwide to prove that their “brothers and sisters from Artsakh are not alone, they are not defenseless.”
“I appeal to Armenians all over the world. Dear brothers and sisters, the people of Artsakh are under the threat of genocide, in just a few days our people will face serious ontological problems. All this is also the result of your silence and indifference, wake up and shout, open all the doors and announce the genocide of the 21st century. Today, many countries of the world justify their passivity by your behavior. Prove that your brothers and sisters from Artsakh are not alone, they are not defenseless,” he said.
Nersisyan called on Russia to ensure unhindered traffic, transportation of people and goods through the corridor connecting Artsakh to Armenia as guaranteed by the November 2020 declaration. He appealed to the international community by saying that the people of Artsakh, including the 30,000 children, cannot be the victims of the conflict between the West and Russia. He said the international community should not wait for new cases of destruction of human lives to have “grounds for intervention”, it should stop the looming disaster before it is too late.
4:25 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan tweets that the 7-month blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the “total siege” of Nagorno-Karabakh is having “irreversible and devastating impact” on people’s lives. “Three-year-old Leo and six-year-old Gita died as a consequence of a serious humanitarian situation. In the 21st century. This should not be tolerated,” he stated.
3:25 p.m.: In a meeting with Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, briefed about the the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and its consequences due to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan.
12:50 a.m.: In a call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken “underscored the need for free transit of commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles through the Lachin corridor.” Blinken expressed “continued U.S. support for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace discussions and the need for creativity, flexibility, and compromise in the negotiations” and “stressed the need for both parties to keep up positive momentum in talks toward a durable and dignified peace.”
July 12
8:09 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Azerbaijan’s obstruction of the movement of vehicles of the ICRC through the Lachin Corridor, noting that “in accordance with the norms of international humanitarian law, Azerbaijan has an obligation not to impede the delivery of humanitarian cargo to besieged Artsakh. Violating this obligation constitutes a serious breach of the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and qualifies as a war crime.”
“By obstructing the humanitarian operations of the ICRC, including medical evacuations, Azerbaijan not only disregards its international obligations but also exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in Artsakh. This ban effectively deprives access to urgent medical assistance for all those who critically need it, which can lead to serious consequences and loss of life,” the statement said. The Artsakh MFA said it is “yet another manifestation of Azerbaijan’s genocidal intentions towards the people of Artsakh.”
“We believe it is imperative for the international community to condemn Azerbaijan’s unlawful actions, exert pressure on the Azerbaijani authorities to restore the ICRC’s ability to conduct humanitarian transportation and medical evacuations through the Lachin Corridor based on the principle of respect for human dignity, and make collective efforts to protect the rights and security of the people of Artsakh. Once again, we remind of the responsibility of all parties involved in the peace process in lifting the criminal blockade of Artsakh that has been going on for seven months now and ensuring Azerbaijan’s full compliance with its obligations under the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020 and the decisions of the International Court of Justice,” the statement concluded.
5:55 p.m.: Artsakh’s human rights ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan released a statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh:
“The situation in Artsakh is critical. For a month now, Artsakh has been completely cut off from any humanitarian access, being literally besieged by Azerbaijan. Since June 15, the intentional and total ban on transportation of food and essential goods by Azerbaijan threatens the lives of 120,000 people of Artsakh. Since yesterday, Azerbaijan has also blocked the two-way transportation of patients and medicine by the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross).
“The Russian peacekeepers transport cargo for their maintenance by helicopters, while the entire population of Artsakh is under the threat of starvation, and the international actors do not take any steps other than making statements. The international community waits for thousands of Artsakh people to perish to then hypocritically express its regret.
“I demand from the International Committee of the Red Cross to light the red alarm button of the danger of genocide. You can do it.
“My people are betrayed by everyone’s criminal indifference.
“I repeat, the situation in Artsakh is critical.”
5:42 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh:
“It has already been seven months since the Azerbaijani authorities have illegally blocked the Lachin corridor, the lifeline linking Nagorno-Karabakh with the outer world.
“All the actions undertaken by Azerbaijan around the Lachin corridor during these months, from demonstrations of fake eco-activists to the installation of an illegal checkpoint in the corridor and the well-known “punitive” blockade of movement, come to prove that these steps are clearly preplanned and aimed at creating conditions incompatible with life for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and subjecting them to ethnic cleansing.
“These actions of Azerbaijan not only directly contravene the Trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, but also clearly disregard the calls of the civilized community to lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor, the resolutions adopted by various parliaments and the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6. We would like to reiterate that in its latest Order of July 6, the Court stated that Azerbaijan’s assertions of its compliance with the Court’s Order of 22 February to ensure the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo in both directions along the Lachin corridor, have nothing to do with reality.
“During these months, the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blockade of the Lachin corridor has continued to deteriorate. It is further exacerbated by months-long disruption of the gas and electricity supply by Azerbaijan.
“Since June 15, the supply of food to Nagorno-Karabakh has been completely halted. Prior to this, during the unimpeded operation of the Lachin corridor, Nagorno-Karabakh was receiving approximately 400 tons of cargo, whereas, after December 12, the amount of food transported through the Russian peacekeeping contingent decreased by tenfold. Currently, the population of Nagorno-Karabakh faces a real threat of starvation, as the supply of all types of goods has been completely prohibited. The information circulated in Azerbaijani media yesterday about an attempted transportation of tobacco and mobile phone batteries, on the one hand, demonstrates a desperate situation of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh that undermines their dignity and, on the other hand, once again highlights the impossibility of unhindered movement of cargo.
“The same situation has developed in the healthcare sector. There is a clear shortage of medicine required for proper medical care. Consequently, several vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, cancer and diabetes patients and children face serious health problems. There has already been an increase in mortality rates in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“Only a few people were able to reach Armenia through the ICRC to receive urgent medical care. They and their accompanying persons were subjected to humiliating procedures and degrading treatment, having been filmed and subsequently exploited by the Azerbaijani propaganda machine as a tool to falsely depict an unhindered movement of people through the Lachin corridor.
“It is unfortunate that during these months, the international community and international humanitarian organizations have been unable to gain humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh to conduct a proper fact-finding mission and provide humanitarian aid.
“Under such circumstances, Armenia expects that the international community will use all available tools to ensure the implementation of the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6, 2023 on the opening of the Lachin corridor. This is crucial to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh and stop the policy of ethnic cleansing. The civilized world cannot and should not tolerate such actions and disdain of the legally binding Orders of the International Court of Justice.”
5:40 p.m.: Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan’s statement on the seventh month of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor:
“Seven months of illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor and continuous life-threatening conditions. Deliberate disregard of fundamental human rights and freedoms of 120,000 people in Nagorno-Karabakh, including right to life and right to food. The human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to deteriorate. Real threat and clear message of ultimately ethnic cleansing from Azerbaijan. Lack of food, medicine and basic goods, hardships in [their] own homeland, no electricity and gas supply despite numerous calls of the international community & legally binding orders of the ICJ. Joint efforts of the international community are crucial in preventing Azerbaijan’s ongoing policy and aggressive rhetoric.”
5:03 p.m.: In a statement to the Armenian Service of RFE/RL (Azatutyun), the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan said that the United States is “deeply concerned about Azerbaijan’s continued closure of the Lachin Corridor. Yesterday’s halting of humanitarian traffic exacerbates a worsening humanitarian situation and undermines efforts to establish confidence in the peace process. Free and open transit through the Lachin Corridor must be restored immediately.”
2:57 p.m.: A rally was held in Stepanakert demanding to unblock the Lachin Corridor. The rally’s coordinators said as the situation in Artsakh is getting worse they need to take actions for unblocking the Lachin Corridor as soon as possible.
“Our plan is to gather a large number of people here, after which we will start a march to Hakari Bridge [at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor]. For that, we need to be provided with fuel and security, and we need to turn to the Russian peacekeepers for both of those issues. If they don’t do anything, we will close the airport and cut off their supply, just as ours is cut off. For now, we will inform the population about our actions so that a large number of people gather,” Arthur Osipyan, one of the activists stated.
The activists said they will make an appeal to the Artsakh authorities to support them.
2:48 p.m.: The EU releases a statement on the ICRC activities in Southern Caucasus:
“The EU strongly supports the activities of the ICRC as the only major humanitarian organization present in the South Caucasus. It is providing crucial humanitarian assistance and protection to those in need, in accordance with the humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality.
“Their work along the Lachin corridor has been exclusively focused on providing the essential needs for the Armenian population in Karabakh and much needed humanitarian assistance. It is the responsibility of the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure that ICRC can continue its operations and prevent a potential humanitarian crisis.
“The EU strongly supports the crucial role of the ICRC in the region, and reiterates its call for Azerbaijan to ensure the unrestricted movement of people and goods via the Lachin corridor.”
10:14 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that at 9 a.m. Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire in the Shushi region by using an 82 mm mortar.
9:41 a.m.: Two children, aged 3 and 6, died in the village of Aghabekalanj, in Artsakh’s Martakert region, after their single mother left her sleeping children alone at home on July 7 to walk 5 kilometers to the nearby town of Martakert to get food. Due to the lack of fuel under Artsakh’s blockade, food is unable to reach remote areas. While their mother was away, the children woke up and began searching for her, but after becoming tired, they sat inside an abandoned car parked by the road and fell asleep. They were found on the morning of July 8, when the car’s owner found their lifeless bodies; they had died due to heat exhaustion in the enclosed car.
1:49 a.m.: Aykhan Hajizada, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson, responded to the Armenian Foreign Ministry’s statement on the ICJ ruling: “This is another misinterpretation and falsehood by Armenia. The ICJ Order has unanimously rejected Armenia’s request to remove the Lachin border checkpoint. The ICJ did not find the checkpoint disrupting movement along the Lachin road, nor did it find that Azerbaijan breached the February 22 Order.”
July 11
11:31 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement welcoming the Order of the International Court of Justice of July 6, the complete text of which was communicated to the parties on July 11.“The Court unanimously reaffirmed its 22 February 2023 Order obligating Azerbaijan, pending the final decision in the case, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination “to take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions”.
“The Court unanimously confirmed with its 6 July 2023 legally binding Order that the 22 February 2023 Order “applies without limitation” to the checkpoint established by Azerbaijan and the existence and operation of the Azerbaijani checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor plausibly constitutes racial discrimination.
“It is important to highlight that the Court considered that “the tenuous situation between the Parties confirms the need for effective implementation” of that Order, which was taken to prevent an imminent risk of irreparable harm to ethnic Armenians’ rights under the CERD and which has been and is still being intentionally disregarded by Azerbaijan.
“Thus, the 6 July 2023 Order of the Court reaffirms Azerbaijan’s international legal obligation to take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions, and therefore to immediately cease the operation of its checkpoint, as it unquestionably impedes the rights under the CERD of Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“It can be stated that the 6 July 2023 Order of the Court once again proves that Azerbaijan’s assertions of its compliance with the Order of the Court of 22 February 2023 were false and manipulative.
“We also call on other international actors, and the UN Security Council in particular, to take all steps to ensure the immediate and effective implementation of the Court’s Order by Azerbaijan.”
8:06 p.m.: Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, accused Armenia of “even misus[ing] ICRC convoys for illegal activities, undermining ICRC’s main mission for humanitarian activity & trust.”
7:56 p.m.: In a phone call, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed, among other things, the “necessary steps to ensure the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the need for a Baku-Stepanakert dialogue with international involvement.” Pashinyan “referred to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan’s illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor and the steps necessary for overcoming it.”
2:39 p.m.: The ICRC issued a press release:
“The ICRC is aware of concerns raised about the transport of unauthorized goods across the Lachin Corridor and does not support any such activity. No unauthorized material has been found in any vehicle belonging to ICRC. All cargo is subject to customs checks by the Republic of Azerbaijan.
“However, we regret that without our knowledge four hired drivers tried to transport some commercial goods in their own vehicles which were temporarily displaying the ICRC emblem. These individuals were not ICRC staff members and their service contracts were immediately terminated by the ICRC.
“Our work along the Lachin Corridor is always strictly humanitarian. This essential work, which has allowed more than 600 patients to be evacuated for medical care and for medical supplies, food, baby formula and other essentials to reach health care facilities and families, must be allowed to continue. This work is always done with the agreement of the sides and makes a difference to the lives of thousands of people.”
2:22 p.m.: Ani Badalyan, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, tweeted that “more international efforts and actions” are needed to lift the seven-month long blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh to “prevent ethnic cleansing” as Azerbaijan “forbids even movement of ICRC, including medical evacuation” through the Lachin Corridor.
11 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that on July 10, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., Azerbaijani forces opened fire from small arms on a combine harvester doing agricultural work in the fields of Sarushen community, in the Askeran region.
10:38 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army refutes Azerbaijani claims that Artsakh forces opened fire in the direction of Azerbaijani positions in the Askeran and Martuni regions.
10:30 a.m.: In a press release, Azerbaijan’s State Border Service claims that in recent days its employees have “repeatedly detected attempts to smuggle various types of goods in ICRC vehicles” through the Azerbaijani checkpoint at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor. The goods included 15 mobile phones, 115 mobile phone screens, 10 mobile phone boards, 120 mobile phone chargers, one screen protector, 973 packs of cigarettes, and 1,320 liters of gasoline.
“Although the ICRC was warned about this through official channels, the illegal actions continued and the necessary steps were not taken to prevent them. The use for smuggling purposes of vehicles belonging to the ICRC and reserved for medical evacuation is not only a gross violation of the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan, but also an abuse of the trust that our country has placed in the ICRC as a humanitarian organization,” the statement said.
It also stated that a “criminal case has been opened” and the checkpoint has been “temporarily suspended until necessary investigative measures have been completed.”
July 10
9:50 a.m.: Nathalie Loiseau, chair of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defense, again responded to Klaar: “The situation isn’t improving but at least the way it is described is. Still lacking mention of the ICJ decision, naming names: Who cut the gas supply, who is blocking the corridor, who is exercising violence and threatening the peace process? A mediator shouldn’t be muted.”
July 9
11:49 p.m.: Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative, tweeted: “A day that began with promise again ended in disappointment and frustration. As reiterated many times by the EU, it is crucial that the flow of energy supplies be restored without restrictions, as well as the movement of people and goods via the Lachin corridor.”
He added, “A genuine Baku-Stepanakert/Khankendi dialogue should start with the aim of providing alternatives to violence, build much-needed confidence and ensure dignity. The EU looks forward to the upcoming trilateral Brussels meeting with Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders.”
6:41 p.m.: Artak Belgaryan, adviser to Artsakh’s State Minister, stated that the brief restoration of the gas supply was not a result of talks involving Artsakh representatives. He argued that Azerbaijan may have restored it under international pressure to lessen said pressure.
2:38 p.m.: Nathalie Loiseau, chair of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defense, responded to Klaar on Twitter: “Are you certain that gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh is sustainable and still ongoing? Is it ‘good to read’ when there is still a complete blockade of the Lachin Corridor? [Should you] use the name Khankendi and use it first, before Stepanakert? The European Parliament wants you to act, not to read the news. And to support civilians trapped in a blockade, not to please the ones responsible for this dire situation.”
2:24 p.m.: ArtsakhGaz reported that the pressure of the gas supply has dwindled, indicating that Azerbaijan has again shut off supply by closing the valve.
1:30 p.m.: Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, welcomed the restoration of gas supply to Artsakh. “Good to read this morning that gas supply to Khankendi/Stepanakert has been restored,” he tweeted.
11:10 a.m.: Gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh was restored in the evening of July 8. ArtsakhGaz announced that it will gradually restore gas supply for end-users after initially supplying solely to refueling stations of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles for safety reasons. Gas supply to Artsakh was completely cut off on March 21.
11:06 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reported that the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry “continues to spread disinformation, claiming the Defense Forces do fortified constructions that were allegedly disrupted by them. Azerbaijani MoD again distorts the reality, trying to justify the regular fire opened in the direction of Artsakh agricultural machinery.”
July 8
3:52 p.m.: In a meeting in Moscow, the deputy foreign ministers of Armenia and Russia, Vahe Gevorgyan and Mikhail Galuzin, discussed the situation caused by the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh. “A great importance was given to the accomplishment of the trilateral commitments of November 9, 2020,” Armenia’s MFA said. Gevorgyan emphasized the necessity of addressing the guarantees of the rights and the security of Nagorno-Karabakh’s people.
2:17 p.m.: At a panel discussion at the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirozyan made several remarks about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“…There is also the problem of the rights and security of the Armenian people living in Nagorno-Karabakh. And I think we cannot pretend, we cannot close our eyes and pretend that there is no problem there. There is a problem there and this is not only Armenia’s problem, this is also everybody’s problem.
“People living in Nagorno-Karabakh are facing a threat of real ethnic cleansing, a real genocide. If the world order which we are speaking about and which we are dreaming of is based on the values, then humanity has a chance.
“If this is about values then you cannot avoid dealing with this problem, because, once again, we speak about human lives. And politics is about making human lives better. So, this is a difficult situation, but this is a situation that we shall deal with. First of all, acknowledge, secondly, make better efforts, bigger efforts to prevent it, because there is a chance to prevent the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“It is not even a blockade, it is a siege of Nagorno-Karabakh: there is no food, there is no medicine going to Nagorno-Karabakh for quite a long time. People are under siege. And this is a problem that, unfortunately, cannot be solved only by ourselves, we need help. I believe that everybody has or should have its own part of responsibility. Again, if we want to live in order, not in chaos.”
1:09 p.m.: In response to the ICJ’s recent reaffirmation of its February 22 decision, Ani Badalyan, spokesperson of Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, stated that Azerbaijan should fully implement the ICJ decision of February 22 “without any speculation and fake interpretations of text.”
12:26 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that on July 7 between 7 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. Azerabijani forces violated the ceasefire in the Martuni region by opening fire from small arms and 60mm mortar shells on a harvester carrying out agricultural work.
July 7
5:29 p.m.: A high-level delegation of the Council of Europe visited the starting point of the Lachin Corridor. “The visit was an opportunity to have a better understanding of the situation on the ground, with its serious human rights and humanitarian consequences for people of Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Arman Khachatryan, Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe.
2:10 p.m.: Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Armenia’s representative on international legal matters, reports that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has reaffirmed the provisional measure indicated in its Order of 22 February 2023, finding that there is no need for modification of it: “Azerbaijan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions”
July 6
11:45 p.m.: Artsakh’s Interior Ministry reports that Azerbaijani forces have fired in the direction of several civilians, including locksmiths and an electrician repairing an artesian well, in the town of Martuni at around 12:15 p.m. using firearms of different calibers.
10:21 p.m.: French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, in a phone call with her Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, said France is “committed to a just and internationally law-abiding peace.”
“I shared with Ararat Mirzoyan France’s support to Armenia’s genuine efforts for a negotiated peace with Azerbaijan while protecting the rights of Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh,” Colonna said.
In a press release, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said the “urgency of international efforts to overcome the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor and to prevent Azerbaijan’s further actions aimed at ethnic cleansing was emphasized.”
8:48 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on the “massive disinformation campaign” launched by Azerbaijani state institutions and media “aimed at misleading the international community and creating a pretext for new aggression” against Artsakh.
“In particular, by creating and promoting false narratives against the Artsakh Defence Army, the Azerbaijani authorities, in fact, deny the inalienable right of the people of Artsakh to self-defense and seek to deprive them of any means and opportunities to ensure their own safety and security in the face of the constant threats and military provocations of Baku against the civilian population of Artsakh,” the statement reads.
Artsakh’s MFA said Azerbaijan is being “encouraged by the complete impunity and permissiveness” and said it is “unacceptable that the international community and, in particular, the Russian Federation, whose peacekeeping forces are stationed in Artsakh and under whose security guarantees tens of thousands of Artsakh citizens returned to their homeland after the 2020 war, leave Azerbaijan’s threats without due attention and response.”
3:54 p.m.: In a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia “express[es] extreme concern” about the growing number of cases of ceasefire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh and the continued blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
“According to the available information, the humanitarian situation in the region is deteriorating. Regrettably, due to the interruption of supplies, the population of Karabakh may be left without reserves of food, essential goods, and medications. This contradicts the trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, including the provisions of the Statement from November 9, 2020.”
She called on Azerbaijan and Armenia to “resolve all issues exclusively through political and diplomatic means” and called on Azerbaijan to “unblock the Lachin Corridor and ensure unhindered movement of citizens, vehicles, and goods for civilian purposes.”
3:36 p.m.: In a written statement to state-run Armenpress news agency, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Kristina Kvien clarified her earlier remarks in an interview with Armenia’s Public TV.
“The United States does not presuppose the outcome of negotiations on the future of Nagorno-Karabakh. […] The question of the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh is central to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Ultimately ensuring that this population can feel secure in their homes and have their rights protected is the only way to guarantee a lasting settlement to a conflict that has lasted too long and cost too many lives,” reads the statement.
3:21 p.m.: In a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is deteriorating. “Regrettably we have to note that due to the suspension of supplies the population of Karabakh could be left without food, other essential products and reserves of medication,” she said.
Zakharova also called on Azerbaijan to unblock the Lachin Corridor and “ensure unimpeded passage of persons, vehicles and goods for civilian purposes.”
2:41 p.m.: At an open debate on Children and Armed Conflict at the UN Security Council on June 5, Armenia’s representative Mher Margaryan stated that the United Nations and its humanitarian arm (OCHA), as well as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict and the UN Security Council “have a distinct responsibility to prevent grave violations and to safeguard the physical security of children, whose rights and safety must be respected and protected at all times, in all parts of the world, including in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
1:08 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Minister Sergey Ghazaryan stated in a teleconference that there is currently no real prospect of having another peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh. “Such a scenario can’t happen swiftly because it implies a serious process, especially in conditions of the existing crisis in international relations,” he stated.
11:28 a.m.: At a cabinet meeting, in response to Azerbaijani demands to withdraw Armenian forces from Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that “there is no military of Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh has its own Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army, and anyone can find the reasons of its existence in the official propaganda and actions of Azerbaijan, whose overt essence is to subject the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing and genocide. We are basically witnessing the implementation of this policy today in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
10:45 a.m.: In a teleconference, Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan stated that the conditions in Artsakh are “indescribably grave” for a country that had a sufficient level of self-sustainability and which used to live with uninterrupted connection with Armenia.
“For more than 20 days the children, elderly and pregnant women are deprived of the opportunity to use the required amount of fruits and vegetables [for a healthy diet], there are no basic hygiene products, people are unable to transport patients to medical facilities. We are trying to somehow evenly distribute the essential items which we have, while our citizens in the regions are completely cut off from the capital and don’t have the opportunity of going to hospitals. Farmers are facing the most serious problems. People only have a few hours of electricity supply because the electricity and gas supply from Armenia is halted,” Nersisyan stated.
July 5
5 p.m.: In a phone call, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the “humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor and ways to overcome it.” Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan said he had asked Pashinyan to call Putin.
4:05 p.m.: Artsakh’s human rights ombudsman states that for more than 20 days, Azerbaijan has been blocking humanitarian access to Artsakh, including food, medicines and fuel.
“120,000 people are on the verge of hunger and humanitarian disaster. We expect prompt action from the international community,” said a Twitter post.
11:18 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that on July 4 and 5 Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire in the directions of Shushi and Martakert regions by using small arms.
10 a.m.: At a ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Baku, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated:
“Although Armenia had to recognize Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan, there are still remnants of Armenian armed forces in the territories of Azerbaijan where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed. If Armenia is really interested in achieving the long-awaited peace in the region, then its armed forces must completely leave the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Armenian military and paramilitary elements on the ground should be disarmed and demobilized.”
Aliyev also accused France of “supporting Armenian separatism in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and by means of geopolitical rivalry, foreign military presence and a colonial policy of ‘Orientalism’” and of trying to “present itself as a defender of the Armenian minority in Azerbaijan.”
July 4
8 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, Advisor to State Minister of Artsakh expressed disappointment with the U.S. ambassador’s remarks (see July 3, 10 p.m.).
“Sorry to hear that Ambassador Kvien is ignoring the most important collective right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination and doesn’t seem to understand or care about the Azerbaijani ethnic cleansing policy. It’s clear that no security or rights can be guaranteed under Azerbaijan’s dictatorial subjugation, and such misguided statements only encourage further crimes,” he stated in a Twitter post.
“Considering the history, values and the emphasis on freedoms and rights in the U.S., it seems only natural to support the struggle of the Artsakh people for their own freedoms and rights in their native land,” he added.
5:08 p.m.: Gegham Stepanyan, Artsakh’s human rights ombudsman, tweeted in response to U.S. Ambassador Kristina A. Kvien’s earlier remarks: “Does Ambassador Kvien truly believe that Azerbaijan, which keeps Artsakh under blockade for 205 days already, is able, or rather, willing to protect the rights & safety of Artsakh Armenians? What Azerbaijan truly offers to Artsakh Armenians is either forced subjugation or ethnic cleansing.”
3:20 p.m.: Ani Badalyan, spokesperson of Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, tweeted: “Lachin Corridor blockade has irreversible impact on children of Nagorno-Karabakh. Separation from families, displacement, psychological suffering are some of the scary realities that children of Nagorno-Karabakh face. Now 20,000 children are deprived of reliable education.”
9 a.m.: Metakse Hakobyan, an opposition member of Artsakh’s parliament, told Azatutyun that due to the complete blockade of Artsakh since June 15, there is an extreme shortage of chicken meat, eggs, sugar, rice, buckwheat, cooking oil, butter, fruits and vegetable.
July 3
10 p.m.: In an interview with Armenia’s Public TV, U.S. Ambassador Kristina A. Kvien stated that the United States believes and hopes that it is possible for Armenians to live in Nagorno-Karabakh under Azerbaijani control.
Commenting on the views that it will be impossible to live peacefully if Nagorno-Karabakh remains part of Azerbaijan, Kvien said the U.S. believes and hopes that it is possible, that all parties should make joint efforts to make this possible, that this is the right approach.
9:56 p.m.: The Artsakh Defense Army reported that at around 3:50 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the direction of the Shushi region using small caliber arms and a 60 mm mortar. There are no casualties on the Armenian side. The ceasefire violation was reported to the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops.
8 p.m.: Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan approved Government Decision No. 543, setting restrictions on public food services. According to the Artsakh government, these restrictions have become necessary as there is a need for an efficient use of food products following the complete blockade of the Republic of Artsakh by Azerbaijan since June 15, 2023. According to the decision, starting from 9 a.m. July 5, 2023, public food facilities can not:
1) service festive family, or other private dinners with the exception of weddings with no more than 50 people (restaurants and other food facilities can not provide public catering services at a location chosen by the consumer),
2) service funeral ceremonies involving more than 30 people,
3) serve or deliver food products, except for the coffee, tea, beverages, ice cream, pastry made of flour and sugar.
Event halls, restaurants, canteens, cafes, bars, buffets, as well as dining facilities at hotels and tourist houses, are considered public catering facilities.
July 2
11:59 a.m.: Tigran Petrosyan, chair of the Anti-Crisis Council under Artsakh’s President, wrote on his Facebook page that the Artsakh authorities have sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin describing the “dire situation” in Artsakh.
“If we don’t see clear steps from the Russian side tomorrow, silence will be tantamount to destruction… Let’s be patient tomorrow, then we have to explode like a volcano for the sake of our children, for the sake of our dignity…,” he wrote.
“The absolute majority of the people of Artsakh believed not the leader of Armenia, not the leader of Artsakh, but the words of Russian President Putin that Armenians will live in Artsakh safely and with dignity.
“Today, we are not living, but surviving […] but those who promised us safety, dignity and free movement are carrying food for themselves by helicopter, leaving us in this situation,” Petrosyan said in reference to the Russian peacekeepers.
News Watch Artsakh
June 2023
News Watch Artsakh: June 2023
State-backed Azerbaijani “eco-activists” shut down the Lachin Corridor back in December 2022 placing Artsakh in a blockade. This was followed by the installment of an illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint on the Hakari Bridge on the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border, further strangulating the Armenian population. Live updates as the siege of Artsakh continues.
Read moreSix months of Blockade
The Lachin Corridor: A Looming Humanitarian Catastrophe
A group of Azerbaijani “environmental activists” blocked the Lachin Corridor on December 12, effectively isolating the population of Artsakh. Later, Azerbaijani authorities shut off the natural gas supply to the Republic triggering a pending humanitarian catastrophe. The blockade of Artsakh continues. Live updates on the unfolding situation.
Read moreThe Week in Review
Weekly news podcast
Ep. 244: The Week in Review (28.07.23)
In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 28, 2023: The situation in Artsakh has reached a tipping point as 120,000 people continue to suffer under a total blockade imposed by Baku; almost 400 tons of humanitarian aid dispatched from Yerevan has not been allowed to enter Artsakh; authorities in Artsakh and Armenia continue to raise the alarm that if the blockade is not lifted, people will begin dying.
Read more
Ep. 243: The Week in Review (21.07.23)
In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 21, 2023: The situation in Artsakh has become extremely critical, grocery stores are empty, medicine, medical supplies and fuel are on the verge of running out. Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Minister says that Baku’s intention is to create unbearable conditions for living and aims to ethnically cleanse Nagorno-Karabakh; warns that people are on the verge of hunger and starvation.
Read more
Ep. 242: The Week in Review (14.07.23)
In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 14, 2023: Baku bans the ICRC from providing humanitarian aid through the Lachin Corridor, accuses the organization of smuggling illegal goods; a large rally takes place in Stepanakert, Artsakh demanding the unblocking of the Lachin Corridor and an adequate international response; the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan are set to meet in Brussels tomorrow.
Read more
Ep. 241: The Week in Review (07.07.23)
In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 7, 2023: The situation in Artsakh becomes extremely grave as Azerbaijan’s total blockade continues; PM Nikol Pashinyan says a meeting with Azerbaijan’s president will take place in Brussels in the near future; two Armenian serviceman abducted on Armenian territory by Azerbaijani forces are sentenced to 11 years and six months by a court in Sumgait and more.
Read moreEVN Security Report
EVN Security Report: June 2023
In this security report, scenario planning is fused with contingency planning to prepare courses of actions and outcomes that may address unexpected situations and mitigate significant impact to Armenia due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its effect upon Russia’s domestic political order.
Read moreExamining the Context: EVN Security Report, June 2023
EVN Report’s Editor-in-Chief Maria Titizian speaks with Dr. Nerses Kopalyan, author of the monthly EVN Security Report, about the necessity of scenario and contingency planning to prepare courses of actions and outcomes to address unexpected situations and mitigate significant impact to Armenia due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its effect upon Russia’s domestic political order.
