On December 12, 2022 at 10:30 a.m., a group of Azerbaijanis claiming to be environmental activists blocked the Lachin Corridor linking Armenia with Artsakh, effectively isolating the 120,000-strong population of Artsakh.
As the Lachin Corridor continues to be blocked, we will be providing live updates on the situation as it unfolds.
June 29, 2023
9:28 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani reports that the Artsakh military had allegedly fired at Azerbaijani positions starting from around midnight in the Shushi region.
June 28, 2023
11:30 p.m.: Stepanakert-based journalist Marut Vanyan reports that due to Azerbaijani restrictions on the Lachin Corridor, Russian peacekeepers have begun regularly using helicopters to fly to Armenia from the Stepanakert airport.
11:23 p.m.: In a press statement following the trilateral meeting of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov and U.S National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry stated that Mirzoyan stressed that incidents such as today’s Azerbaijani attack that killed four Artsakh soldiers “were aimed at disturbing the efforts in the negotiating process and emphasized the imperative to exclude the use of force or threat of use of force.”
“Minister Mirzoyan highlighted that Azerbaijan carried out this action in parallel with the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, deliberate disruption of gas and electricity supply to Nagorno-Karabakh, aimed at subjecting Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing,” the ministry said.
10:47 p.m.: Matthew Miller, spokesperson of the U.S. State Department tweeted: “We are deeply disturbed by the loss of life in Nagorno Karabakh. These latest incidents underscore the need to refrain from hostilities and for a durable and dignified peace. The United States is committed to assisting the parties in achieving this goal.”
9:42 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at noon Azerbaijani forces fired in the direction of farmers engaged in agricultural work in the Martuni region.
7:20 p.m.: The human rights organization Amnesty International stated that the Azerbaijani authorities “must lift the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh and bring an end to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.”
6:04 p.m.: Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia is concerned about the increased number of armed incidents and violations of the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. “We call on the parties to exercise restraint and resolve all disputes through peaceful, political and diplomatic means in cooperation with the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent,” she added.
Zakharova added that Russia proceeds from the fact that the de-escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh would be facilitated by “the immediate adoption of measures to completely unblock the Lachin Corridor and create conditions for the normal life of the civilian population.”
3:24 p.m.: Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, tweeted in response to Pashinyan: “Mr. Prime Minister again misleads the international community.
Azerbaijani forces have only took retaliatory measures against a military action that wounded a military serviceman of Azerbaijan. The major destabilizing factor in the region is Armenian armed forces. These Armenian forces contrary to international law & Trilateral statement obligations have not been fully withdrawn from Azerbaijan. These illegal forces, while threatening Azerbaijanis living in surrounding regions and returning to their homes, is major security threat. Armenia, instead of interfering in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs, must fulfill its obligations and respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in both words and deeds.”
2 p.m.: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tweeted: “Urging the international community to take practical steps to ensure rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh people. Meanwhile the Lachin Corridor remains illegally blocked, tonight as result of Azerbaijani attack with use of UAVs there are 4 casualties. High risk of destabilization in the SouthCaucasus.”
1 p.m.: Artsakh’s parliament calls on the Armenian delegation in Washington to immediately stop talks with Azerbaijan “until the establishment of a full ceasefire on the line of contact with Artsakh and within the borders of Armenia and the provision of documentary guarantees to maintain it, otherwise, the continuation of the negotiations will mean encouraging the aggressive behavior of the Azerbaijani side and legitimization at the international level.”
It further called on the UN Security Council, the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries (Russia, U.S., France) to “take concrete practical steps, in particular, to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan, curbing its aggressive ambitions” and on Russian peacekeepers to “stop Azerbaijan’s anti-human, genocidal actions with the most severe means.”
6:01 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that four servicemen were killed in an Azerbaijani attack involving artillery fire and drones strikes on Nagorno-Karabakh positions in the Martuni and Martakert regions starting from 1:30 a.m. It added that Azerbaijan has recently launched a continuous disinformation campaign accusing the Artsakh Defense Army of breaching the ceasefire in order to create an “information base” for this aggression.
The ministry later said that the situation at the line of contact with Azerbaijan was “relatively stable” as of 7 a.m. and subsequently released the names of the fallen soldiers: Armo Abgaryan, Samvel Torosyan, Yervand Tadevosyan and Gagik Balayan.
June 27, 2023
9:57 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 9 p.m., Azerbaijani forces fired two 60 mm mortar shells in the direction of the village of Kichan in the Martakert region and one mortar shell in the direction of the Chaknatagh village after alleging that an Azerbaijani serviceman had been wounded by fire from Artsakh.
9:30 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at 7:40 p.m. Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the Martakert region. It also refuted Azerbaijani allegations that an Azerabijani serviceman had been wounded by fire from the Artsakh side.
June 26, 2023
6:26 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of the Interior reports that on June 25, at around 4 p.m., Azerbaijani servicemen fired at Mikael Mezhlumyan, a 22-year-old resident of Myurishen village, Martuni region. He was doing agricultural work with a tractor off highway from Murishen to Avdur. He was not injured.
3:51 p.m.: Residents from Yeghtsahogh and Lisagor villages of the Shushi region visited Stepanakert and returned to their villages by minibus accompanied by the Russian peacekeepers.
3:11 p.m.: 17 patients from Artsakh were transported to specialized medical institutions of Armenia, with 11 companions with the mediation and escorting of the Red Cross.
12:40 p.m.: Armenian parliament speaker Alen Simonyan told reporters that Azerbaijan will not be able to carry out ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia will not allow it.
He also responded to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov’s earlier remarks on the rights and security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. “The issue of the rights and security of Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh is important because this issue cannot simply be forgotten. This is self deception. If Azerbaijan is ready to engage in self-deception, Armenia is not. We will adhere to what we have announced,” he stated.
10:04 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijani troops opened fire in the directions of Martuni, Askeran, Shushi and Martakert regions and again targeted a farmer carrying out agricultural work on his tractor in Avdur, Martuni.
June 25, 2023
11:30 a.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded to the Armenian MFA’s statement. It said the “temporary restriction of the operation of the Lachin border checkpoint regarding the investigations and the security measures implemented by Azerbaijan” is not a blockade and accused Armenia of propaganda.
Azerbaijan’s MFA said “Armenia cannot digest the passage of hundreds of Armenian residents in both directions in the spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation with the border guards of Azerbaijan since the start of the operation of the border checkpoint, and is insisting on continuing such provocative steps.” It rejected any “humanitarian threats” against the Armenian residents living in the “Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.”
“Azerbaijan is making efforts toward the reintegration of Armenian residents, and it is necessary to put an end to Armenia’s interference in the process under various pretexts, as well as its destructive obstruction,” the ministry stated.
June 24, 2023
20:57 p.m.: A total of 60 diplomats and military attachés from 33 countries and 10 organizations accredited to Azerbaijan visited Lachin, including the Lachin border checkpoint. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry stated that the “diplomats got acquainted with the conditions created at the border crossing point and had a chance to personally witness the falsity of the provocative claims of the Armenian side about the closure of the road.” It added that Azerbaijan has created conditions for the activity of the International Committee of the Red Cross for the transportation of citizens in need of medical care.
8:31 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issues a statement on the need to establish an international mechanism in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The MFA said that Armenia is “convinced that the best way forward for guaranteeing the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh lies in direct and substantive discussions between Baku and Stepanakert with international participation.” However, Azerbaijan’s “sincerity and political will” to achieve peace in the region is “seriously questioned by the incessant hostility and hate speech from the Azerbaijani authorities, by the provocations, threats to use force against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. Moreover, Azerbaijan’s actions are not only deviating from addressing numerous problems through constructive dialogue with Stepanakert, but also, on the contrary, they are consistently leading to ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
The Armenian MFA said Azerbaijan’s installation of concrete barriers in the Lachin Corridor on June 22 is another evidence of this. “As a result, the supply of food, medicine and basic necessities has been completely halted, as has the transportation of critically ill patients, even by the International Committee of the Red Cross,” it added.
Armenia said Azerbaijan’s actions are being carried out “in defiance of legally binding decisions of the UN International Court of Justice and numerous appeals by the international community” and the international community “cannot turn a blind eye and delude itself that the issues of the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh can be addressed without special and urgent international attention, involvement and efforts.”
8:06 p.m.: In a meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov suggested that supplies could be provided from the Azerbaijani side, “using the Aghdam-Khankendi road.”
1:46 p.m.: Russian peacekeepers transported urgently needed medicine from Armenia to Artsakh by helicopter, both for the people of Artsakh and for their own needs. A one-year-old child with a diagnosis of viral encephalitis, who was in critical condition for two days, was transferred to a specialized medical center in Armenia.
June 23, 2023
8 p.m.: Russia’s Defense Ministry reports two ceasefire violations in the Martakert region.
6:42 p.m.: Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova released a statement regarding the situation around the Lachin Corridor.
It said the closure of the entrance to the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan violates the tripartite declaration of November 2020. “These steps contribute to the escalation of tensions and do not contribute to maintaining a normal atmosphere around the ongoing process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia with Russian assistance. We call on Baku to fully unblock the movement along the Lachin corridor,” she stated.
She also expressed hope that Yerevan will “not withdraw from interaction in trilateral formats” as it will have a “negative impact on the situation in the region and lead to escalation on the ground.”
6:22 p.m.: The EU issued a statement on the growing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“The near total blockage of the Lachin corridor, in place since June 15, is very worrying. It directly threatens the livelihoods of the local population and raises serious fears of a potential humanitarian crisis,” it said.
The EU also said it has been “closely following growing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the past few weeks, with daily shooting incidents reported along their international border, in addition to similar incidents on the Karabakh Line of Contact.”
5:25 p.m.: Artsakh authorities report that Azerbaijan has installed a concrete barrier on the Hakari bridge to block the Lachin Corridor.
3:04 p.m.: In an interview with Reuters, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said Azerbaijan will provide no guarantees for Artsakh Armenians. “The most fundamental is the following: this is an internal, sovereign issue. The Azerbaijan constitution and a number of international conventions to which Azerbaijan is party provide all the necessary conditions in order to guarantee the rights of this population.” He said ethnic Armenians could still use and be educated in their own language and preserve their culture if they integrated into Azerbaijani society and state structures like other ethnic and religious minorities.
1:53 p.m.: The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution expressing its extreme concern by events which have unfolded since the signature of the Trilateral Statement on November 9, 2020, and which culminated on December 12, 2022 with the interruption of the free and safe passage through the Lachin Corridor and the subsequent deliberate cutting of electricity and gas supplies to the region.
It recognized Azerbaijan’s concern to ensure security within its territory and at its borders, but the PACE is “struck by the fact that its leadership does not acknowledge the very serious humanitarian and human rights consequences stemming from the present situation.” It called on Azerbaijan to comply with the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The resolution said Azerbaijan has “the responsibility to protect and ensure the security of everyone living within its internationally recognized borders.”
The PACE resolution noted that “a humanitarian response alone is not sufficient and that a political solution is needed” and called for a dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert and a neutral international involvement in any peace implementation mechanism to be put in place. It also called on Azerbaijan to invite a Council of Europe delegation to visit the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh for a fact-finding mission, to assess the situation on the ground.
12:05 p.m.: During a visit to a commando military unit, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the establishment of a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor is a “manifestation of our strong political will.” He insisted that Armenia’s official recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is not enough and “these words must now be put on paper, and Armenia must sign it,” otherwise, there will be no peace.
9:56 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened gunfire at a farmer working in his tractor in the village of Chartar in Martuni.
9:37 a.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani troops opened sporadic automatic gunfire at a residential house in the village of Chankatagh. Investigators arrived at the scene and documented damage to the roof which resulted from the shooting.
June 22, 2023
3 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that at around 1 p.m., a contract serviceman, Mher Hakobyan, was wounded by Azerbaijani gunfire in the Martakert region.
11:01 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refuted Azerbaijani claims that its forces opened fire on June 21 and 22 at Azerbaijani military positions in Martuni, Shushi and Askeran regions.
June 21, 2023
11:43 p.m.: At a hearing at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan body of the United States House of Representatives, on safeguarding the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, Congressman Frank Pallone stated that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor is “a man-made crisis purposefully created by the Aliyev regime to severely worsen the quality of life for the people of Artsakh” and that it has “caused severe shortages of food, medical supplies, drinking water, energy, and other essentials – creating a dire humanitarian crisis for the 120,000 people living in Artsakh.”
John Evans, former ambassador of the U.S. to Armenia, called on the Biden administration to “engage the Azerbaijani government in a serious discussion, at the highest levels, of the way ahead, emphasizing that ‘ethnic cleansing’ of the Armenians of Karabakh is not acceptable.” Evans also called to lift the waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, which prohibits the sale of military equipment to Azerbaijan. “It would be well to put the brakes on Turkish and Israeli arms sales to Baku,” he added.
Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, stated that if the State Department “wishes to succeed in bringing peace to Nagorno-Karabakh, it should waive Section 907, enforce the Humanitarian Corridors Act, apply Global Magnitsky Act sanctions, limit exports of dual use goods, protect cultural heritage, monitor incitement, sequencing of diplomacy matters, and identify other models for co-existence.”
8:05 p.m.: Nathalie Loiseau, chair of the Security and Defense Subcommittee of the European Parliament, stated that the delegation led by her “approached the entrance to Lachin Corridor and saw with our own eyes the complete and illegal blockade of Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan.”
She reaffirmed the position of the European Parliament that the blocking of the Lachin Corridor is “illegal and must be stopped” and the “rights and well-being of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh must be protected.” “I will take this message with me to Brussels, I will testify about what we saw and heard while in Armenia,” she added.
She also called on European ambassadors in Baku to refrain from accepting a potential Azerbaijani invitation to visit the illegal checkpoint, “remaining faithful to the terms of the ruling of the International Court of Justice.”
Loiseau also stated that the European Parliament fully supports the idea of sending an international fact-finding mission to the Lachin Corridor.
“The European Parliament also welcomes the idea of an international presence in general to fully protect the rights and interests of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. We are also completely in favor of a UN Security Council resolution being adopted. And the sooner, the better it will be if the members of the UN Security Council prepare a draft of such a resolution,” she stated.
6:31 p.m.: At a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry’s representative Maria Zakharova called on Azerbaijan to take steps to “completely unblock the [Lachin] corridor for humanitarian purposes and not to make the Karabakh population a hostage of political disagreements with Yerevan.”
5:32 p.m.: A group of 54 U.S. Representatives, led by Rep. Barbara Lee, sent a Congressional letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanding the Biden Administration “end military aid to Azerbaijan and support Artsakh in the face of Azerbaijan’s brutal blockade and anti-Armenian aggression.”
4:53 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on the continued blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh.
It said that the “complete and arbitrary blocking of the Lachin Corridor, in particular the deliberate obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian cargo by the Russian peacekeeping forces and the ICRC for the basic needs of the people of Artsakh under siege, is considered a war crime under international law.” The MFA said the Artsakh’s blockade and isolation from the outside world “exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and prepare fertile ground for the escalation of Azerbaijan’s ongoing crimes against humanity into the crime of genocide.”
It “strongly demand that all responsible members of the international community take the necessary collective and individual measures to stop the ongoing international crimes committed by Azerbaijan, and to prevent a catastrophe threatening the people of Artsakh with genocide.”
10:57 a.m.: European Parliament Subcommittee on Security and Defense (SEDE) delegation led by Chair Nathalie Loiseau have joined the EU Mission in Armenia for a planned patrol to the Lachin Corridor. The EU Mission tweeted that Head of EU Mission in Armenia Markus Ritter and EU ambassador to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin welcomed Loiseau and the SEDE delegation at the Sisian airfield.
10:19 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refuted Azerbaijani claims that its forces opened fire in the Shushi region around 8:10 p.m. on June 20.
June 20, 2023
12:43 p.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister’s adviser Artak Beglaryan posted an image of an Azerbaijani armored personnel carrier blocking the entrance to the Lachin Corridor on the Hakari Bridge.
“Is this their guarantee for ‘free movement’ with which they lie to the whole world, falsely claiming that there is no blockade?” Beglaryan stated. He called on the international community, including Armenia, Russia, the U.S., France, the EU, UN and all other actors, to prevent a security disaster and humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh.
9:50 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reported a ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan in the Martuni, Shushi, and Martakert regions using small arms between 11:05 p.m. on June 19 until 7:55 a.m. on June 20.
June 19, 2023
8:30 p.m.: Azatutyun (RFE/RL) reports that shops in Artsakh are running out of imported foodstuffs such as flour, cooking oil and sugar.
3:40 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Health reports that all non-essential surgeries and checkups have been put on hold in all hospitals of Nagorno Karabakh.
“The two-way movement of patients from Nagorno Karabakh and supplies of medical items and medicine by the International Committee of the Red Cross is completely blocked by Azerbaijan for five days. Due to the halt of medicine imports, the medicine supplies in the stationary sector have dropped to 40%, and 20% in the outpatient sector. Taking into account the situation, all non-urgent checkups and interventions (surgeries) in all medical facilities are canceled starting today. Approximately 175 patients with various diagnoses are waiting for the opportunity to be transported to hospitals in the Republic of Armenia for treatment. Patients requiring urgent transportation have cancer and cardiovascular diseases,” the statement read.
10:24 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reported that Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire between 9:30 a.m. on June 18 to 1:08 a.m. on June 19 in two directions: Martuni and Martakert, using small arms.
June 17, 2023
8:30 p.m.: Tigran Balayan, Armenia’s ambassador to the Netherlands, tweeted that “according to different sources, also the intelligence, the Aliyev regime is in preparation of new aggression against Armenia and ethnic cleansing of Artsakh to prevent peace talks under the auspices of Secretary Antony Blinken and Charles Michel.”
12:57 a.m.: France’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the incidents on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, condemning the attack on a metallurgical plant in Yeraskh. The statement noted that “France also reaffirms its support for the full implementation of the International Court of Justice’s order of February 22, 2023, regarding the restoration of traffic in the [Lachin] corridor.”
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded saying that “Azerbaijan has ensured free and safe movement of hundreds of Armenian residents in both directions at the Lachin Border Checkpoint, established in accordance with international norms and rules. Despite these efforts, on June 15, our border guard was injured as a result of the firing of the border checkpoint by Armenia. Currently, security and investigative measures are being implemented at the border crossing.”
June 16, 2023
10:42 p.m.: Armenia’s human rights ombudsperson’s office released an ad hoc report on the humanitarian consequences of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor.
8:03 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Sergey Kopirkin, Russian Ambassador to Armenia, to present Armenia’s “strong displeasure” with regard to the incident involving Russian peacekeepers near the Hakari bridge on June 15. In a video posted online, Russian peacekeepers accompanied Azerbaijani troops on the bridge at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor in an attempt to raise the Azerbaijani flag on Armenian territory.
6:14 p.m.: In a live stream on Facebook, Artsakh’s Minister of State Gurgen Nersisyan stated that Artsakh will enact restrictions on fuel supply to individuals, but public transport will continue to operate.
11 a.m.: At a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made the following remarks:
“Azerbaijan’s installation of an illegal checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor, the blockade of electricity and natural gas supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, which has essentially been ongoing for six months, have extremely aggravated the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. And if during the previous month, for propaganda purposes, Azerbaijan provided some access through the Lachin Corridor through the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers, since yesterday this access has also been brought to zero and even the supply of essential food to Nagorno Karabakh has been stopped. In other words, food does not enter Nagorno Karabakh from the outside world, and citizens in need of urgent medical assistance are not allowed to pass through the Lachin Corridor.
“These actions once again substantiate our fear that Azerbaijan is conducting a policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. Although in this case it is not about fear, but about the start of actions. How else does the ethnic cleansing take place: the supply of food, gas, and electricity to the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh is blocked, citizens doing agricultural work are being shooted at, the possibility of movement is blocked even for patients in extremely critical condition.”
Pashinyan added that the government’s response to the situation should include raising international awareness and encouraging Baku-Stepanakert dialogue.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded by saying that it “strongly reject[s] the absurd claims” that the Lachin checkpoint has caused a tense humanitarian situation, prevention of the provision of daily necessities and medical products to Armenian residents by Azerbaijan, pursuance of ethnic cleansing policy by Azerbaijan.” It stated that there are “necessary conditions for transparent, safe, and orderly passage of local Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan in both directions, and hundreds of residents have been using this road freely since the establishment of the checkpoint.”
June 15, 2023
10 p.m.: Ani Badalyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed that after its provocation on the Hakari Bridge, Azerbaijan has banned all humanitarian passage and cargo transportation through the LachinCorridor, including for Russian peacekeepers the ICRC.
1:15 p.m.: The Artsakh Info Center reports that following Azerbaijani attempts at advancing their positions near the Hakari bridge this morning, Baku has now banned all humanitarian passenger and cargo transportation through the Lachin corridor.
As a result, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was unable to proceed with the transport of 25 patients and their relatives from Artsakh to Armenia. They were forced to return to Stepanakert after being halted at an illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint in the Lachin corridor.
Additionally, the planned passenger transport for dozens of individuals due to urgent humanitarian needs, which was meant to be facilitated by Russian peacekeepers on the Stepanakert-Goris-Stepanakert route, was canceled. The movement of Russian peacekeepers’ trucks heading to Goris for humanitarian cargo transportation was also halted.
12:55 p.m.: In a press statement with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that “Armenia just needs to demonstrate a political will and to put on paper what they have already officially announced that Karabakh is Azerbaijan.”
12:07 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry denies Azerbaijani claims that it has supposedly opened fire at Azerbaijani positions in the Martuni area. “The Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan, trying to substantiate the fire by its units targeting civilians carrying out agricultural work, is once again distorting reality, once again claiming to have disrupted alleged engineering works in the Martuni region. As reported earlier, the Azerbaijani side opened small arms fire around 9:15 a.m. – 11:14 a.m., June 14, at civilians conducting agricultural work in the Matchkalashen and Tchartar communities of Martuni region,” the ministry stated.
10 a.m.: Armenia’s National Security Service reports that at around 8:40 a.m. a group of Azerbaijani border guards made an attempt to advance in the direction of the Hakari bridge, at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor, in order to plant a flag on the territory of Armenia. “As a result of the measures taken by the Armenian side, the advance of Azerbaijani servicemen and the attempt to plant a flag on the territory of the Republic of Armenia were prevented. As of 10 a.m., the situation is relatively stable.”
9:44 a.m.: Ria Novosti, a Russian state-run news agency, cited a “diplomatic source in Washington” as saying that the United States is pressuring Nagorno-Karabakh to hold a meeting with Azerbaijan, threatening a counter-terrorism operation in case of refusal.
“In an ultimatum-like manner, Washington is forcing representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh to agree in the near future to a meeting with the Azerbaijani side in a ‘third country’ with the participation of an American supervisor. The goal is to establish a U.S. presence in the region. Moreover, if the leadership of Karabakh refuses such contact, they are threatened with the conduct of an Azerbaijani counter-terrorism operation in the region,” Ria quoted the source as saying.
The Russian MFA responded: “Russia is concerned about reports that the United States is attempting to impose its mediation services in the dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert (including through threats). This raises questions about the adequacy of the American mediators.”
9:48 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that on June 14, Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the northern, eastern and southwestern directions of the contact line by using small arms. From 9:15 a.m. to 11:14 a.m., the Azerbaijani side opened fire from small arms on civilians doing agricultural work in villages Machkalashen and Chartar.
June 14, 2023
1:30 p.m.: In a Q&A session with parliamentarians, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stated that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor is illegal and that France “stand[s] with Armenia and Armenians.” Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada responded: “Seems that the statement of Minister Colonna on the so-called ‘blockade’ intentionally overlooks the free movement of Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in both directions. It is a clear contradiction with vocal assertions on impartiality!”
June 13, 2023
6:44 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman reports that since the installation of the Azerbaijani checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor on April 23, 2023, Azerbaijan has denied the entry of at least three residents of Artsakh with Armenian registration, including two women and a child, “violating their fundamental rights to freedom of movement and family reunion.” The ombudsman described it as a “gross violation of the stipulations of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, specifically Point 6, providing that Azerbaijan has international obligations of ensuring the safe passage of citizens through the Lachin Corridor.”
1:15 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issued the following statement on ceasefire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh:
“For a long time, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has been spreading daily fake news about ceasefire violations by the Defense Army of Nagorno-Karabakh in the zone of responsibility of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“It is noteworthy that in the information materials published by the Russian peacekeepers, ceasefire violations only by Azerbaijan were recorded.
“Taking into account the already well established experience of Azerbaijan to provide ‘informational support’ before carrying out the next acts of use of force and to artificially ascribe responsibility for future actions to the other party from the outset, the Republic of Armenia has serious concerns that the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan, despite all its own obligations, is preparing the ground for another aggressive actions and ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“We call on the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation to strictly follow the observance of the ceasefire regime and investigate all the incidents voiced by Azerbaijan, publicly presenting the entire situation on the ground.
“At the same time, the Republic of Armenia reiterates its position on the necessity to send an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh, which also can provide reliable and unbiased information both about the situation in the line of contact between the sides and about the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, the latter resulting from Azerbaijan’s disruption of the functioning of the Lachin corridor through setting up an illegal checkpoint in violation of the regime established under November 9, 2020 Statement, blocking natural gas and electricity supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh as well as targeting by the Azerbaijani servicemen of citizens carrying out agricultural works and their machinery.
“The Republic of Armenia is convinced that addressing the issues of rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh within the framework of an international mechanism through the Baku-Stepanakert dialogue is urgent and should not be delayed, and calls on the international community to support this process.”
June 12, 2023
4 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on the six months of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. “Continued severe restrictions of fundamental rights and freedoms of 120,000 people in Nagorno-Karabakh, including detrimental effects on 30,000 children. All despite the legally binding ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and numerous calls of international institutions. Along with cuts of energy supply to Nagorno-Karabakh, blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan has been inflicting a precarious humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. International actors, interested in peace and stability in the region, should act with the aim of protecting the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
10:10 a.m.: On the six month anniversary of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan made the following statement:
“Half a year of severe humanitarian challenges. 120,000 people deprived from basic needs and completely isolated from the rest of the world. Gas and electricity supply are cut off for months. The world is just observing the situation. The fundamental rights and security situation of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh is of urgent importance. The illegal and deliberate steps of Azerbaijani authorities along with Armenophobic rhetoric clearly indicate Azerbaijan’s ultimate goal and intention of ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Armenian population of NK.”
June 9, 2023
10:25 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that between 5:35 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on June 8, the Azerbaijani military opened fire with small arms in the eastern and northern directions of the line of contact. At around 6:20 p.m. the Azerbaijani military fired at a farmer operating a tractor while carrying out agricultural work in Karvin. The farmer was unharmed.
June 8, 2023
21:08 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army refuted Azerbaijani claims that it allegedly opened fire on the border between 11:25 a.m. and 6:40 p.m. on June 8 in the direction of Azerbaijani positions located in the occupied territories of Martuni, Askeran and Shushi regions.
10:41 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire at around 2:30 a.m. in the northern direction and noted that Azerbaijani authorities have falsely accused Nagorno-Karabakh of opening fire in the Shushi region.
June 7, 2023
6:45 p.m.: In a visit to Armenia, Michael Roth, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the German Bundestag, urged Azerbaijan to “respect the decision of the international court and immediately open the Lachin Corridor” and stated that “ethnic cleansing should never be allowed to take place in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
4:41 a.m.: In a meeting with Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed Canada’s “support for enduring peace in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
June 6, 2023
5:23 p.m.: Artsakh’s human rights ombudsman reports that Azerbaijan “intentionally creates the appearance that the passage of Artsakh people through the illegally installed checkpoint over Hakari bridge is free and safe.” In reality, people of Artsakh are transferred by the ICRC or the Russian peacekeeping forces “only in urgent cases.”
2:06 p.m.: In an address at the OSCE Permanent Council, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that Armenia’s recognition of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the “Karabakh region, provides a ground for cautious optimism.” He accused Armenia of having “continued illegal military presence” in Azerbaijani territory, and in “consistent interference with our internal affairs, obstruction of the dialogue between the central Azerbaijani authorities and local residents of the Karabakh region of Armenian origin.” Bayramov said that Azerbaijan is “determined to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan into the political, legal, economic, and social framework of Azerbaijan as equal citizens” and that its constitution, legislation and the European Convention of Human Rights and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities “provide the solid ground to this end.”
In response to Bayramov’s address, Michael Carpenter, the U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE stated that the U.S. calls on Azerbaijan to “take steps to ensure constant gas and electricity supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as to ensure the free flow and movement of goods and people, including through the Lachin Corridor” and urged Azerbaijan to “adhere to the letter and spirit of the February 22 order by the International Court of Justice.”
The EU also made a statement in response to Bayramov, calling upon Azerbaijan to “develop a positive agenda that safeguards the rights and security of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh.” The EU said that the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is “concerning, and has been causing a negative humanitarian impact, as the ethnic Armenian population has been repeatedly facing disruptions in essential energy and communication services, while the reported frequent ceasefire violations raise serious concern about their well-being.” It called on Baku to “take concrete steps to lift constraints on the ethnic Armenian population by ensuring stable energy supplies and allowing maintenance to take place on the electricity grid.”
10:44 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry’s claims that it is conducting fortified construction in Askeran, Martuni and Karvachar regions that were allegedly disrupted by them. “Azerbaijani MoD once again distorts the reality, trying to justify the regular violations of ceasefire,” the statement reads.
June 5, 2023
2:16 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports a ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan in the eastern and southwestern directions of the contact line by using small arms from 10:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. No losses reported.
June 4, 2023
2:14 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports a ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan in the central and north-eastern direction of the contact line by using small arms. No losses reported.
June 1, 2023
10:30 p.m.: A statement released by the French presidency after a five-side meeting between the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, France, Germany, and the EU in Chisinau, Moldova said the European leaders stressed the “importance of defining rights and guarantees for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.” Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded that the French statement was made “unilaterally” and “does not reflect and distorts the position of the parties.”
May 31, 2023
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire regime in the Martakert region. The command of the Russian peacekeeping mission together with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides is investigating the incident.
May 30, 2023
1:02 p.m.: The Artsakh Defense Army reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire on the northern and eastern parts of the Line of Contact using firearms and mortars, at approximately 11:40 a.m., in the direction of one of the defense positions. The Russian peacekeeping mission has been informed about the incident. As of one 1 p.m., the situation is relatively stable on the line of contact.
11:00 a.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry responded to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in a statement. The MFA described Aliyev’s speech as containing “a series of belligerent and provocative statements” and noted that he has “once again resorted to open threats and outright blackmail,” denying the very possibility of negotiations.
The ministry said the blockade of Artsakh and Azerbaijan’s belligerent statements show that Azerbaijan is “not only unwilling to give up its policy of threats and violence, but is increasingly strengthening it against the backdrop of the inaction of the international community, including the international mediators involved in the settlement process.” It called on international actors to stop turning a blind eye to Azerbaijan’s “real motives and goals” of an “openly genocidal agenda.”
Nagorno-Karabakh’s Foreign Ministry said it considers “absolutely unacceptable” that the international community, and first of all, Russia, “leave Azerbaijan’s threats to resume military operations against Artsakh without a proper and strong response” and called on international mediators, represented by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries and the European Union, to “move from words to action to prevent the realization of Azerbaijan’s criminal plans and thereby demonstrate in practice their commitment to the fundamental norms and principles of international law.”
May 29, 2023
9:35 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement in response to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks, describing them as “warmongering” and “aimed at nullifying the efforts of the Republic of Armenia and the international partners, directed at establishing peace, stability and security in the region.” The ministry said Aliyev “again threatens the Republic of Armenia with use of force and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh with ethnic cleansing.”
The statement noted that the recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity “cannot be interpreted as the authority to implement ethnic cleansing against the population of Nagorno-Karabakh” and that with his remarks, Aliyev is “preparing the ground for another aggressive action against the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and depriving them of the right to live freely, safely and with dignity in their homeland.”
11:50 a.m.: Robert Ghukasyan, the governor of Syunik, told journalists that the residents of Artsakh who are unable to return home due to the closure of the Lachin Corridor are still being accommodated in hotels in Goris. He said the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provides them support.
11:43 a.m.: Speaking to parliamentarians, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that he discussed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor with Russian officials during his recent visit to Moscow.
“We’ve discussed this topic also with our Russian partners. I can’t say that the results of this discussion were satisfactory. We must note that this is a very regrettable situation. And I also had a public occasion to say that the closure of the Lachin Corridor took place basically right in front of, and in the presence of Russian peacekeepers, which is certainly very concerning. We will continue our discussions, including with our Russian partners, in the direction of resolving this situation,” he said.
May 28, 2023
4:20 p.m.: In a speech in Lachin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made several remarks about Nagorno-Karabakh. He said that with the establishment of a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor on April 23, Azerbaijan “resolved the issue of territorial integrity once and for all.”
“Our territorial integrity had already been restored as a result of the second Karabakh war. However, the border checkpoint was the last point where there was still uncontrolled movement from Armenia to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and in the opposite direction. The movement is still there, but under full control,” Aliyev stated.
Aliyev also said the checkpoint “should be a lesson for the Armenians living in the Karabakh region today” and that Artsakh Armenians should “understand everything and will come to live under the flag of Azerbaijan.” The Azerbaijani president said the “book of separatism is closed” and therefore, “there is only one option left – to obey the laws of Azerbaijan, be a loyal and normal citizen of Azerbaijan.”
Aliyev said Karabakh Armenians should throw the false attributes of statehood in the trash, dissolve the parliament, the president should surrender, and all ministers and parliamentarians should give up their positions. “We are simply being patient. However, everyone knows perfectly well that we have all the opportunities to carry out any operation in that region today,” Aliyev added.
Regarding the talks with Karabakh Armenians, Aliyev said there will not be another invitation since they refused their last invitation to Baku. “Either they will bend their necks and come themselves or things will develop differently now. Therefore, they can count on an amnesty only if they voluntarily put aside all their false duties and apply for Azerbaijani citizenship. We will look at that. My word is final, and everyone knows that both in Azerbaijan and the rest of the world, including Armenia. We do what we say. Not a single word of ours, as they say, has been left in the air and never will be in the future either. If I say that amnesty can be an option, they should not miss this opportunity. They have missed many opportunities, a number of opportunities, and each time, as they say, we had to knock them over to bring them to their senses,” Aliyev stated.
May 26, 2023
6:59 p.m.: The ICRC resumed the transfer of patients in need of urgent medical assistance across the Lachin Corridor to Armenia. “Today, in our role as a neutral intermediary, we have facilitated the transfer of 15 patients and their accompaniers,” the Red Cross stated.
3:16 p.m.: In New York, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan met with Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on May 24 to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. Gevorgyan highlighted the need for the Special Adviser’s active involvement for launching UN mechanisms for prevention of genocide and other mass crimes.
May 23, 2023
10 p.m.: At a Congressional hearing, Erin Elizabeth McKee, the Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Europe and Eurasia at USAID, welcomed Pashinyan’s explicit recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
“Pashinyan, in a four hour press conference, and it was for the first time, very publicly, asserted Armenia’s recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, which was an important first step that the [U.S. mediating] team had put on the table. This assertion is inclusive of Nagorno-Karabakh,” she stated.
May 22, 2023
2 p.m.: At a press conference, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia is ready to recognize Azerbaijan’s 86,600 km² territorial integrity which includes Nagorno-Karabakh.
“The 86,600 km² includes Nagorno-Karabakh. But we must note that we are saying that the issue of the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh must be discussed in the Baku-Stepanakert format,” he said.
Pashinyan insisted that all former Armenian governments before him have recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
10:33 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that yesterday Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire regime in the northern and eastern parts of the Contact Line. The command of the Russian peacekeeping forces have been informed about the incident. The situation is stable as of 10 a.m.
May 19, 2023
11:44 a.m.: Access to Facebook has been restored in Artsakh according to Armenpress. It was reported earlier that Facebook had been blocked in Artsakh.
10:29 a.m.: The Artsakh Defense Army reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the northern and eastern directions of the contact line by using small arms and an AGS-17 grenade launcher against civilians working in their yards in the village of Berdashen and firing at the Kashen mine. There are no casualties.
May 18, 2023
6:08 p.m.: The ICRC says it has resumed the delivery of medicine and other items for local healthcare facilities via the Lachin Corridor a day earlier. “Discussions are ongoing to restart other operations, too,” it stated.
2:56 p.m.: At a Congressional hearing, Samantha Power, the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), said it is “absolutely imperative” that roads into Nagorno-Karabakh be reopened. She added that the USAID sent two assessment missions to the region and that the U.S. is encouraging the UN to send an interagency assessment mission.
May 15, 2023
9 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement following the trilateral meeting of Charles Michel, Nikol Pashinyan, and Ilham Aliyev. The MFA said the statement released by Michel “indicate[s] that the EU leadership continues to ignore the legitimate rights and interests of the people of Artsakh and is guided solely by their own geopolitical and short-term interests in the region to the detriment of the values of democracy and human rights declared by the European Union.”
The Ministry pointed to the absence of “any mention of more than five-month blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the establishment of an illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint at the entrance to the corridor and the factual siege of the 120,000 population of Artsakh with all the ensuing humanitarian consequences.” It said this is an indication that the EU “not only does not prevent, but in fact indulges Azerbaijan in using the suffering of the people of Artsakh as a political tool.”
Artsakh’s MFA said Michel’s “defiant disregard for Azerbaijan’s consistent non-compliance” of the legally binding order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is “puzzling” and added that the international community should aim to force Azerbaijan to “immediately and unconditionally implement its obligations” under the November 2020 statement and the ICJ order.
May 16, 2023
9:05 a.m.: The Sarsang reservoir, the largest in Artsakh, is drying up. CivilNet reports that “Its water volume has reached a critical level, and residents and local authorities fear the reservoir will completely dry up in the near future.” The reservoir has been used in recent months for electricity generation as power lines from Armenia have been disrupted and Azerbaijan has prevented any repair works.
May 12, 2023
8:50 p.m.: Following their fifth trilateral meeting with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia in Brussels, President of the European Council Charles Michel made the following press statement:
“It was a pleasure to host President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan today for a fifth meeting in Brussels. Our exchanges were frank, open and result-oriented. They focused on progress on the path towards Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization. The leaders shared a common willingness for a South Caucasus at peace. I commend their respective efforts. Together, we reviewed all issues on our agenda.
“Following the recent positive talks held in the United States on the peace treaty, the momentum should be maintained to take decisive steps towards the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“On border issues, we reviewed progress and the next steps regarding the delimitation of the border. In this context, the leaders agreed on the resumption of the bilateral meetings on border issues. The leaders confirmed their unequivocal commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration and the respective territorial integrity of Armenia (29,800 km²) and Azerbaijan (86,600 km²). The ultimate delimitation of the border will be agreed through negotiations.
“On connectivity, the sides made clear progress in their discussions aimed at unblocking transport and economic links in the region. Positions on this topic have now come very close to each other in particular on the reopening of the railway connections to and via Nakhchivan. Their respective teams have been tasked to finalize an in principle agreement on the modalities for the opening of the railway connections and the necessary construction works together with a concrete timetable. They also agreed to draw upon the support of the World Customs Organization in supporting this work.
“On humanitarian issues, there has been an understanding that further detainees would be released in the coming weeks. I also stressed the need to safeguard the mutual understanding that soldiers who have simply got lost and crossed to the other side would continue to be released through a speedy procedure. We also discussed the importance of stepping up work on addressing the fate of missing persons and on demining.
“We continued our exchanges on the issue of the rights and security of Armenians living in the former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. I encouraged Azerbaijan to engage in developing a positive agenda with the aim of guaranteeing the rights and security of this population, in close cooperation with the international community. I also raised the need for a transparent and constructive dialogue between Baku and this population.
“I believe that it is important to refrain from hostile rhetoric, engage in good faith and show leadership to reach mutually-acceptable solutions.
“The EU has no hidden agenda. Our sole aim is to help Armenia and Azerbaijan reach a comprehensive and fair peace. We are ready to contribute to their joint efforts. We have agreed to hold the Brussels meetings as often as necessary. Leaders will meet again in Brussels in July. And as was already announced publicly, we will also meet again in the very near future together with President Macron of France and Chancellor Scholz of Germany on the margins of the 2nd European Political Community Summit in Chișinău. I also intend to invite the leaders for another such meeting on the margins of the third EPC summit in Granada in October.”
6:40 p.m.: Freedom House publishes an article calling on democracies to leverage international institutions, such as the OSCE and the UN Security Council, to “help enforce orders like that of the International Court of Justice, ensuring that the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh is lifted in practice” and “provide direct humanitarian assistance to the populations affected by the conflict to alleviate their suffering.”
May 11, 2023
6:30 p.m.: For the first time since April 29, nine patients were transferred from Artsakh to Armenia by an ambulance accompanied by Russian peacekeepers. Artsakh’s Health Ministry says an additional 21 patients are still waiting for their transfer.
May 10, 2023
12:50 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan says that after setting up a checkpoint, Azerbaijan has obstructed the activities of the Red Cross in Artsakh in “every possible way.” The ICRC has been unable to transport patients in critical health conditions to medical facilities in Armenia for 11 days now.
May 6, 2023
8:58 a.m.: Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, tweeted: “Encouraging news from Washington. The EU welcomes the sustained engagement from Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs in 4 days of negotiations. Progress can only be made through dialogue. We continue to stand with Armenia and Azerbaijan and work with our partners in the quest for sustained peace.”
May 5, 2023
1:26 a.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement regarding the talks of Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov.
“After an intensive and constructive series of bilateral and trilateral discussions, the parties made significant progress in addressing difficult issues. Both demonstrated a sincere commitment to normalizing relations and ending the long-standing conflict between their two countries,” he stated.
“Both Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed in principle to certain terms and have a better understanding of one another’s positions on outstanding issues. I have proposed the Ministers to return to their capitals to share with their governments the perspective that, with additional goodwill, flexibility, and compromise, an agreement is within reach. They will continue to have the full support and engagement of the United States in their effort to secure a durable and sustainable peace,” the statement added.
May 4, 2023
3:42 a.m.: Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, hosted foreign ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov at the White House. “We welcome the progress Armenia & Azerbaijan have made in talks & encourage continued dialogue. A sustainable & just agreement will be key to unlocking opportunities for both countries & the region,” he tweeted.
May 1, 2023
11:51 p.m.: The United States is hosting peace talks with Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted: “Dialogue is key to reaching a lasting peace in the South Caucasus region.”
11:13 p.m.: At a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said the U.S. believes that peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is “possible” and that “direct dialogue through diplomacy is key here.”
He was asked about the Azerbaijani government disregarding all calls to unblock the Lachin Corridor and if the Biden administration considers any other steps to take in order to make sure that the road is unblocked and the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh improves. Patel stated: “We have not parsed our words about the need for the free flow of traffic and people and commerce through the Lachin corridor. That continues to be the case and it’s something that we will continue to raise directly with our Armenian counterparts.”
12:24 a.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Azerbaijani President Aliyev to convey his support for continued efforts aimed at securing peace with Armenia and the U.S.’s willingness to facilitate. “I reiterated the U.S. position that there should be open movement of people and commerce on the Lachin corridor,” Blinken tweeted.
April 30, 2023
11:30 p.m.: İctimai Television, an Azerbaijan public TV channel, released a video of the passport control booth on the Hakari bridge on the Lachin Corridor in operation, with some Armenians reportedly using it. Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan said that Azerbaijan is using “people’s suffering for a cheap show.” Artak Beglaryan, an adviser to the State Minister, said the people seen in the video are from villages (near the checkpoint under double blockade (Mets Shen, Hin Shen, Lisagor, and Yeghtsahogh) and were traveling with the support of peacekeepers, with guarantees of not being bothered.
Artsakh State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan issued a statement. He said a group of Artsakh residents appealed to the Russian peacekeepers, who allowed them to pass through the checkpoint near the Hakari bridge in private cars without inspection, assuring them in advance that there would be no overseeing intervention by the Azerbaijanis.
“Our citizens crossed the road unilaterally and without interruption with the assistance of peacekeepers. But due to the establishment of the checkpoint, they met Azerbaijanis at the checkpoint on the way back to their place of residence with their compatriots who were left in Goris. The Azerbaijanis, putting our citizens in a desperate situation, forced them to fulfill their demands, and video recorded the process in order to show the next staging,” he said.
Nersisyan added that the people of Artsakh are waiting for the restoration of the Lachin Corridor regime as defined by the November 2020 tripartite statement, that is exclusively under the control of the Russian peacekeeping forces.
12:41 a.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to reiterate his support for “continued efforts to secure peace with Azerbaijan and U.S. willingness to facilitate. Direct dialogue and diplomacy are the only path to a durable peace in the South Caucasus.”
April 29, 2023
3:47 p.m.: Artsakh’s Health Ministry reports that 16 patients requiring emergency surgical interventions were transported to medical institutions in Armenia. The International Committee of the Red Cross provided mediation and escort for the transportation. Ten patients who had previously been transferred to Armenia for medical treatment have returned to Artsakh. So far, a total of 394 patients have been transported from Artsakh to Armenia with the mediation and support of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
12:30 p.m.: Artsakh authorities report that from around 9 p.m. on April 28 to around 11 .a.m on April 29 the Azerbaijani security forces blocked the movement of vehicles of the Russian peacekeeping troops delivering humanitarian cargo from Armenia to Artsakh near Shushi.
April 28, 2023
4:10 p.m.: According to Azerbaijani media reports, Azerbaijani “eco-activists” “temporarily suspend” their protest in the Lachin Corridor near Shushi after keeping the main highway connecting Armenia and Artsakh blockaded for 138 days.
April 27, 2023
8:40 p.m.: In a meeting with French Foreign Minister Caterine Colonna, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan thanked France for the attention it has given to the crisis around Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor. They emphasized the need for the immediate implementation of the decision of the International Court of Justice and the need for Azerbaijan to unblock the Lachin Corridor.
7:44 p.m.: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and ambassadors of Armenia and Azerbaijan to Russia, Vagharshak Harutyunyan and Polad Bulbuloglu discussed the development of the situation in the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh in general.
4:20 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded to Pashinyan’s statements, by “strongly rejecting” his “nonsensical claims”.
“Any intervention of Armenia in the establishment of a border checkpoint by Azerbaijan on its sovereign territory, which is an internal matter, is a claim against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and is against the commitments undertaken by Armenia in Prague and Sochi, as well as all the norms and principles of international law,” the Azerbaijani MFA said.
Azerbaijan said the checkpoint on the Hakari bridge “will regulate the entry-exit mode from the border” and should not be regarded as “closure of the road.” The MFA claimed that “Azerbaijan guarantees the safe movement of citizens, vehicles, and goods on the Lachin-Khankendi [Stepanakert] road within its obligations and will continue to take appropriate measures in this direction.”
3:40 p.m.: French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna tweeted that during her meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev she reiterated France’s calls to unblock the Lachin Corridor.
1:53 p.m.: At a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova said Russia is making the necessary efforts for resolving the situation around the Lachin Corridor. She added that Russia underscores the importance to Yerevan making contributions to the search for mutually acceptable solutions.
11 a.m.: At a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Azerbaijan continues to escalate the situation by illegally installing a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor.
“If until now the Lachin Corridor was closed under the pretext of a false environmental demonstration, now it is already officially closed by Azerbaijan,” he said. “That goal is to carry out ethnic cleansing and genocide of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, and this should be the subject of attention of all of us, the international community.”
He added that the Russian peacekeepers “must keep the Lachin Corridor under control and thus ensure the normal functioning of the corridor” and that “no one but Russia should exercise control over the Lachin Corridor.”
April 26, 2023
9:24 p.m.: Colonel General Alexander Lentsov, Russian Ground Forces Deputy Commander, has been appointed commander of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh.
9:02 p.m.: The office of Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Matters reports that on April 25, the Republic of Armenia submitted a letter to the International Court of Justice within the framework of the case concerning the Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan) with respect to the key developments resulting from the establishment by Azerbaijan of a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor, stressing that the establishment of the checkpoint is yet another flagrant violation by Azerbaijan of the Order of the Court of February 22 indicating provisional measures against Azerbaijan.12:52 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a phone conversation with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. The situation in the Lachin Corridor and the ensuing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh were discussed during the call.
12:32 p.m.: The Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the South Caucasus of the European Parliament, MEP Marina Kaljurand, the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Andrey Kovatchev and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Željana Zovko issued a joint statement on the “blatant disrespect” by Azerbaijan of its international obligations regarding the Lachin Corridor.
“We express our strong concern related to the installation by Azerbaijan of a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor on 23 April 2023. This can have possible negative consequences and be seen as a clear violation of the ceasefire statement of November 9, 2020, as well as an act of disrespect of the binding ruling of the International Court of Justice of February 22, 2023, which ordered Azerbaijan to ‘take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.’
“We recall that the Azerbaijani blockade of the corridor has been ongoing since December 12, 2022, causing humanitarian hardship to the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and greatly undermining prospects for peace. The recent actions further aggravate the situation. We urge Baku to reverse course immediately and commit to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict and to the respect of international obligations and norms. The European Union continues to stand ready to assist the parties in addressing all their differences through negotiations.
“Moreover, it is regrettable that such actions were taken on the very eve of the Armenian
Genocide Remembrance Day of April 24, the anniversary of the launch of the extermination
campaign by the Ottoman Empire 108 years ago. We commemorate the one and a half million
victims who perished in the genocide and call on the international community to remain
vigilant with respect to all instances of inflammatory rhetoric and actions that incite hatred
and prevent reconciliation.”
11:59 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that 16 patients with serious diseases have been transported to specialized medical institutions in Armenia with the mediation and escort of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Eleven patients, who had been transferred to Armenia for medical treatment, returned to Artsakh together with accompanying persons.
9:22 a.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a phone conversation with the President of the European Council Charles Michel. Pashinyan emphasized that Azerbaijan’s actions in the Lachin Corridor are aimed at the consistent implementation of its policy of ethnic cleansing and the complete eviction of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of an adequate response from the international community.
1:55 a.m.: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell tweeted “Azerbaijan establishing unilaterally a checkpoint along the Lachin corridor runs counter to EU calls for reducing tensions and solving issues by dialogue. EU continues to engage in promoting peace & stability in the South Caucasus. Rights and security of Karabakh Armenians must be ensured.”
April 25, 2023
8:35 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Health informs that since Azerbaijan’s establishment of a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor the transfer of 28 patients to medical centers in Armenia has been canceled. One of the patients is a pregnant woman who is due to deliver soon. Her baby requires urgent heart surgery, which cannot be performed in Artsakh. There is also a nine-year-old patient with acute leukemia.
7:55 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that import of humanitarian goods from Armenia, disrupted by the installation of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan, has been partially restored through the efforts of the Artsakh authorities and Russian peacekeepers. The cargo included basic necessities, mostly food.
5:36 p.m.: Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement on the latest developments in the Lachin Corridor:
“Canada is deeply concerned with the establishment of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan in the Lachin Corridor, the only land connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding region. This action clearly undermines the peace process and stability throughout the region. We call on Azerbaijan authorities to reopen the Lachin Corridor. It must remain open and unimpeded to allow for the freedom of movement of people and goods. Canada calls on both parties to resume talks and refrain from any further escalation or hostile actions along the border.”
3:44 p.m.: Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Secretary General of NATO, tweeted: “Worrying escalation by Azerbaijan. If Baku continues to flout its international commitments and binding court orders from the ICJ, there must be political and economic consequences.”
12:20 a.m.: In his speech at the UN Security Council on April 24, 2023, H.E. Ambassador Mher Margaryan, reflecting on the meaning and message of effective multilateralism and the importance of defending the principles of the United Nations Charter said:
“Notwithstanding the presence of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation on the ground, as per the November 9, 2020, trilateral statement, not only has the [Lachin] corridor continued to remain disrupted for over four months now, but, as of yesterday, an Azerbaijani checkpoint was installed, in flagrant violation of the commitments under the trilateral statement and the Order of the ICJ.
“We have been warning the United Nations and this Council that the alarming situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is close to turning into a humanitarian catastrophe. Two and a half years into the establishment of the ceasefire, the UN and its humanitarian agencies are yet to render the much needed assistance for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“By now, it should be beyond any reasonable doubt for anyone in the international community that Azerbaijan has steadily established itself as a serial violator whose record of aggressive, criminal actions in the region must be acknowledged for what they represent – premeditated, carefully planned and executed efforts, which are demonstrative of an intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national and ethnic group as such.
“The masterminds of such plans in Azerbaijan, as well as their enablers, must however bear in mind, that no amount of a distorted narrative, or corruption and manipulations with energy resources can alter the fact that there is no statute of limitation for a certain category of crimes, and those committing such serious violations will have to face responsibility, including through mechanisms of international jurisdiction, as justice and accountability must be at the core of effective multilateralism.”
April 24, 2023
9:23 p.m.: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told reporters that Azerbaijan’s establishment of a checkpoint at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor contradicts the EU’s call to reduce tension. He added that issues should be resolved through dialogue and that Azerbaijan should build trust with the Armenian side as a basis for progress towards the normalization of relations.
8 p.m.: The Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation says that “As a result of unilateral and uncoordinated actions, the Azerbaijani side blocked traffic along the Lachin Corridor in the area of observation post No. 1 of the Russian peacekeeping contingent (bridge over the Khakari River). The command of the peacekeeping contingent is negotiating with the Azerbaijani side.”
The Russian Defense Ministry communication also states that a violation of the ceasefire regime was recorded in the Mardakert region. There were no casualties. The command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent is investigating.
6:34 p.m.: Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, reiterated her call at the Parliamentary Assembly of Europe to restore free movement along the Lachin Corridor, implement the ECHR and CEDH interim measures, expressed concern on the establishment of the Azerbaijani checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor, which according to her is a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Artsakh.
She also added that Council of Europe bodies should be able to visit the region to obtain first hand information about the situation on the ground.
5:25 p.m.: The office of Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Matters told Azatutyun that Armenia will appeal to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in regard to the Azerbaijani checkpoint placed at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor on April 23.
2:10 p.m.: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the installation of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan in the Lachin Corridor “requires additional mediation efforts” by Russia. He noted that the situation is “really difficult” and requires understanding on the part of Yerevan and Baku that “there is no alternative to the implementation” of the trilateral agreements between the leaders of the three countries.
“Russia continues its mediation efforts, mainly efforts to implement all the provisions of the trilateral documents that were signed two years earlier. Russia will continue to work on this together with Yerevan and Baku,” Peskov said.
1:43 p.m.: Artsakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide:
On April 24, Armenians around the world commemorate the more than 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide committed in the Ottoman Empire. In 1915-1923, the Young Turks and the Kemalist Government, in several stages, carried out mass atrocities and deportation of Armenians. The Armenian Genocide was part of the Pan-Turkist policy pursued by the leaders of the Ottoman Empire, which envisaged the occupation of new territories through massacres, turkification or forced displacement of native Christian Armenians.
The inability to prevent the first Genocide of the 20th century and its impunity, unfortunately, subsequently led to new genocides. Even today, more than a century after this horrific crime, the Armenian people are again facing the threat of a new Genocide. The authoritarian regime of Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey, continues to pursue a genocidal policy against the Armenians. A clear proof of this is Turkey’s unconcealed support and direct participation in the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh in September 2020. During the 44-day war of aggression, a significant part of the territory of the Republic of Artsakh was occupied, numerous war crimes and gross violations of international humanitarian law were committed, including brutal murder of civilians and prisoners of war, beheadings, desecration of dead bodies and many other inhumane acts.
Continuing its plans of ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, Azerbaijan has been keeping the 120,000 people of Artsakh under siege for more than 4 months, putting them in a dilemma: to be exterminated or forced to leave their homeland. At the same time, in order to promote its genocidal policy, Azerbaijan continues to violate the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh by all possible means in front of the eyes of the international community and in an environment of complete impunity and permissiveness.
Since the Armenian Genocide in 1915, the international community has made a commitment and developed an appropriate toolkit to prevent Genocides and massive violations of human rights in order to prevent their recurrence. Today, it is imperative for the UN Security Council to use that toolkit to prevent the destruction of the people of Artsakh as such and to protect their fundamental rights.
Once again honoring the memory of the holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, we reaffirm our commitment to the struggle for the restoration of historical justice.
1:20 p.m.: Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing “serious concern” about the situation in the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh, on the Armenian-Azerbaijani line of contact, as well as in the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“We record with extreme concern an increase in the number of ceasefire violations and various incidents, which regularly result in casualties on both sides. We consider the increased degree of accusatory and aggressive rhetoric in the public space of Azerbaijan and Armenia to be no less dangerous. In the context of the latest development of events on April 23, we especially note the unacceptability of any unilateral steps in violation of the basic provisions of the tripartite statement of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia of November 9, 2020, whether it is an uncoordinated change in the mode of operation of the Lachin Corridor or attempts to use it for purposes, not in line with the peace agenda,” the Russian MFA said.
Russia called on the sides to “immediately return to the existing agreements” and “proceed from the premise that in any case the local population should not suffer and no obstacles should be created for their livelihoods.” The statement said Russia believes that “many of the problems that have arisen are the result of many months of idleness and the lack of progress in the negotiation process on the main tracks of the trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the unblocking of transport communications in the region, the launch of the process of delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the harmonization of the parameters of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We hope that Baku and Yerevan will show political will and be able to overcome this negative trend in the near future.”
Russia expressed readiness to provide all the necessary assistance to Azerbaijan and Armenia and warned against Western players and “local Russophobic elements” attempting to stir up the situation, including through a “denigrating campaign against Russia.”
1:16 a.m.: The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement deploring the establishment of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan at the entrance to the new road of the Lachin Corridor, which violates the commitments made under the ceasefire agreements and is detrimental to the negotiation process. France calls on Azerbaijan to comply with its international obligations, in particular to implement the interim measures indicated by the International Court of Justice in its order of February 22, which are binding. It calls for the restoration of the free movement of goods, people and goods along the Lachin Corridor, in both directions, and a continuous supply of gas and electricity to the population.
April 23, 2023
9:22 p.m.: U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel made the following statement: “The United States is deeply concerned that Azerbaijan’s establishment of a checkpoint on the Lachin corridor undermines efforts to establish confidence in the peace process. We reiterate that there should be free and open movement of people and commerce on the Lachin corridor and call on the parties to resume peace talks and refrain from provocations and hostile actions along the border.”
5:18 p.m.: On April 23, 2023, the authorities of Azerbaijan closed down the Hakari bridge on the Armenia-Nagorno-Karabakh border, a gross violation of point 6 of the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020. They went on to install a checkpoint in the corridor in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping troops.
In a statement, Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that the installation of the checkpoint by the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan is a flagrant violation of one of the fundamental provisions of the tripartite statement of November 9 and cannot be viewed as yet another provocation.
“The continuous illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor under fabricated environmental pretexts since December 12 of last year and the installation of a checkpoint under false and groundless pretexts today are the next steps in the consistent implementation of this planned policy,” the statement reads.
Armenia’s MFA points out that this action is being carried out against the unequivocal statements of the international community and especially the February 22, 2023, legally binding judgment of the International Court of Justice, the provisions of which, the statement says, Azerbaijan has not not made any efforts to fulfill and has not even attempted to cover up its continuous violations of the fundamental norms of international law. The statement goes on to say that Baku is trying to increase tensions in the region in every possible way, preparing grounds for the use of large-scale force.
The statement says the Republic of Armenia, as a signatory of the tripartite statement of November 9, considers unacceptable and strongly condemns Azerbaijan’s installation of an illegal checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor. This, as well as similar actions carried out by Azerbaijan, combined with continuous Armenophobic and threatening rhetoric, are aimed at failing the negotiations on regulating relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“We call on the Russian Federation to finally fulfill its obligation under point 6 of the tripartite statement by lifting the illegal blockade of the corridor and ensuring the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from the entire security zone of the Lachin Corridor. And we call on UN member states with an international security mandate to clearly record Azerbaijan’s actions undermining regional security and take effective steps towards the unconditional implementation of the judgment of the highest international court,” the statement concludes.
4:30 p.m.: President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan convened an urgent meeting of the Security Council to discuss Azerbaijan’s blocking of the Lachin Corridor connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the installation of a checkpoint.
A unanimous decision of the Artsakh Security Council reads:
“Emphasizing that the entire people of Artsakh once believed the November 9, 2020 tripartite statement and the security guarantees provided by the Russian Federation and returned to the Motherland and began to organize a normal life;
“Emphasizing that since the signing of the tripartite statement, Azerbaijan has violated various provisions of this document many times, killing the residents of Artsakh, occupying new territories, and stating December 12, 2022 has kept the people of Artsakh under siege, which is in its 133rd day, that Azerbaijan has kept the people of Artsakh without electricity for 104 days, and without gas supply for 67 days;
“Welcoming the position repeatedly expressed by the Russian leadership regarding the continuity and strength of security guarantees for the people of Artsakh;
“Considering the blockade of the Lachin Corridor connecting Artsakh with Armenia absolutely unacceptable, which is under the responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping troops, and the installation of a checkpoint there by Azerbaijan on April 23;
“Noting that with this step, the people of Artsakh have become hostages in the hands of Azerbaijan, with the increasing risk of ethnic cleansing, and serious threats to the further functioning of the tripartite statement;
“We appeal to the parties of the tripartite statement, and especially the Russian Federation, to immediately start discussions on lifting the blockade of Artsakh, preventing the establishment of an Azerbaijani checkpoint and providing real guarantees for the security of the people of Artsakh.
“We expect effective steps to solve the security and humanitarian problems facing the people of Artsakh in the shortest possible time, the absence of which will allow the authorities and the people of Artsakh to decide what to do next.”
4:15 p.m.: Azatutyun reports that a statement issued by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry says Azerbaijan has installed a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor and closed the Hakari bridge on the Artsakh-Armenia border due to security reasons.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, once again, accused the Armenian side of “transportation of weapons and ammunition, the illegal export of natural resources and cultural resources, and the installation of mines.” The statement says the creation of a border control mechanism at the beginning of the Lachin road is a safety measure claiming that the necessary conditions will be created for the transparent and regular passage of Armenian residents of Karabakh from this point in both directions to Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to the statement, “this monitoring mechanism will be implemented in cooperation with the Russian peacekeeping mission.”
1:19 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that, Azerbaijan, grossly violating the provisions of the 2020 tripartite declaration and continuously providing misinformation regarding the transfer of weapons from Armenia to Artsakh, has closed the Hakari bridge on the Artsakh-Armenia border, which is located in the Lachin Corridor, in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping troops.
The authorities of the Artsakh Republic strongly condemn this new provocation by Azerbaijan, considering it a criminal step aimed at deepening the blockade of Artsakh and ethnic cleansing, which violates both the tripartite declaration, the binding decision of the International Court of Justice and other fundamental norms of international law.
12:07 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan released another provocative statement saying that a military truck of the Azerbaijani army hit a mine deliberately placed by the Armenian side in the Shushi region. Artsakh authorities say this statement is absolutely false and does not correspond to reality. The communique also notes that a prior Azerbaijani statement about munitions being allegedly transported from Armenia to Artsakh with the accompaniment of Russian peacekeepers, is likewise disinformation.
“The content sequence of the above statements clearly underlines the purpose of the disinformation campaign conducted by Azerbaijan, which is to prepare the ground for possible provocations against the Republic of Artsakh,” reads the report.
April 20, 2023
2:44 p.m.: Artsakh’s Interior Ministry reports that at noon on April 18, Azerbaijani forces fired at Armenian farmers in the village of Aknaghbyur of the Askeran district. Farm work was stopped and Russian peacekeepers were informed of the incident.
1:12 a.m.: Rachel Denber, Deputy Director of the Europe and Central Asia division at Human Rights Watch tweeted: “The lifeline road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia & the outside world has been closed for more than 4 months. Azerbaijani authorities & Russian PKFs should ensure the right of access to health, essential services & goods, & freedom of movement for NK residents.”
She noted that Artsakh residents face “mounting hardships with power cuts, rationed food, high prices & scarcity of fresh produce. People with disabilities, older people are especially affected. Women bear the burden of additional care.”
April 18, 2023
5:35 p.m.: In an interview to Azerbaijan television, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that “Karabakh is our internal matter” and that “Armenians living in Karabakh should either accept Azerbaijani citizenship or find another place to live.” He added, “I am sure most of the Armenian population currently living in Karabakh is ready to accept Azerbaijani citizenship.”
April 15, 2023
12:17 p.m.: Artsakh citizens can now send mail through Russian peacekeepers as per an agreement with Artsakhpost. The postal service had been halted since the Lachin Corridor blockade on Dec 12, 2022.
April 12, 2023
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry reports in its daily communique that the peacekeepers deployed in Artsakh recorded four ceasefire violations in the Askeran district. There were no casualties. The Russian peacekeeping command, together with the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides, is investigating these incidents.
4:27 p.m.: At a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Russia is making efforts to end the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. “Our Armenian and Azerbaijani colleagues have received detailed proposals on this issue. The [Russian] peacekeepers are solving the food and other essential supply issues of the Karabakh people on the ground. Tens of tons of humanitarian cargo is delivered every day, we are waiting for a swift resolution of the situation with the purpose of normalization of bilateral Armenian-Azerbaijani relations based on the high-level trilateral agreements,” she said.
11:10 a.m.: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) tweets: “In our role as a neutral humanitarian intermediary, and in agreement with the sides, we have transported 305 patients through the Lachin Corridor since December 2022. We’ve also facilitated the transfer of 546 people since early January 2023 to reunite with their loved ones.”
April 11, 2023
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry reports in its daily communique that the Russian peacekeepers observed two ceasefire violation incidents in Artsakh’s Martuni region. The command of the peacekeeping forces is investigating the matter with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides.
1:02 p.m.: Artsakh authorities called on farmers to do their work in the fields in the presence of Russian peacekeepers as a safety precaution against Azerbaijani shootings.
“Given the threats and obstacles caused by the Azerbaijani side, we call on citizens to apply to the center [Center for Cooperation with the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent] through regional administration offices before farming in areas adjacent to the line of contact to ensure Russian peacekeepers’ [presence] in all possible cases,” the center said.
10:45 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the authorities of the Artsakh, through the peacekeeping mission of the Russian Federation, sent a proposal to the Azerbaijani side to hold a meeting at the headquarters and with the mediation of the Russian peacekeepers to discuss urgent humanitarian issues.
April 5, 2023
9:46 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire at a farmer carrying out agricultural work near the Askeran region.
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry said in its daily communique that two incidents of ceasefire violations were recorded in Artsakh’s Martakert region. There were no casualties. The Command of the Russian Peacekeeping Forces is investigating the incidents.
5:29 p.m.: Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin told reporters in Armenia that the Russian peacekeepers are doing everything within their power to ensure a normal life in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“The role of our peacekeepers is essential both to sustain normal life and to prevent possible escalation. You are well aware of how peacekeepers operate. Information about it is constantly published. The leadership of Armenia also realizes this,” Kopirkin said.
3:47 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the incident involving 27 Artsakh citizens, who were not allowed to enter Artsakh by the Azerbaijani side. The Ministry states that the “egregious incident clearly demonstrates that the Azerbaijani authorities have embarked on the next level of practical implementation of their criminal plan to ethnically cleanse Artsakh and expel its people from their historical homeland.” Stepanakert also called on the international community to take immediate actions against Azerbaijan.
“In an environment of complete impunity, the criminal actions committed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh are becoming increasingly threatening both in nature and scale. The inaction of the international community in the face of such serious violations of human rights is tantamount to tacit approval, if not complicity in the inhumane actions of official Baku. Immediate and decisive action by the United Nations Security Council, which has the appropriate mandate and tools, is an absolute necessity to immediately end the illegal blockade and stop the crimes of Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh, which continue before the eyes of the international community,” the statement said.
1:10 p.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan announced that from now on it will only be possible to travel from Artsakh to Armenia in case of urgent necessity.
“From now on, traveling from Artsakh to Armenia will be possible only in highly essential cases and exclusively through applying in advance to the Center for Cooperation with the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent and with their permission,” Nersisyan said in a Facebook post.
He went on to say that in recent days Russian peacekeepers had started to periodically transfer people from Artsakh to Armenia for funerals, visiting sick relatives and other reasons. He added that in order to keep the above mentioned process under control and protect the Artsakh citizens from possible Azerbaijani provocations in the blocked section of the Stepanakert-Goris road, travel from Artsakh to Armenia will be restricted. People with health issues requiring medical attention will continue to be transferred to Armenia through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
12:40 a.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan reported that on April 4, at about 3:30 p.m., the Russian peacekeepers, in accordance with an agreement reached with the Azerbaijani side, tried to facilitate the transfer of 27 civilians, including elderly, children, and people with disabilities, who have been separated from their families for several months due to the blockade, from Goris to Stepanakert.
Azerbaijani government agents posing as “eco-activists” blocked the passage of the vehicles of the Russian peacekeeping forces carrying the civilians. According to Stepanyan, some Azerbaijanis even broke into one of the cars. During the negotiations that lasted around five hours, the health of four of the civilians deteriorated, and three of them fainted. Accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, they were taken to the Republican Medical Center of Stepanakert (in an Azerbaijani ambulance). As negotiations between the Russian side and the Azerbaijanis did not yield any results, the remaining vehicles returned to Goris.
Stepanyan went on to say that the incident proves once again that Azerbaijan’s claims that the Lachin Corridor is open for civilians is a lie and intends to mislead the international community. “Moreover, by allowing the exit of people from Artsakh in various ways, but prohibiting entry, the Azerbaijani authorities are openly implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing, as Ilham Aliyev once again admitted in his statement on January 10,” Stepanyan said.
April 3, 2023
4:04 p.m.: The Azerbaijani APA news agency reports that as a result of the operation carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on March 25, the heights, surrounding areas, and the villages of Allahgulular and Zamanpayasi of the Shushi region came under the control of the Azerbaijani Army.
April 1, 2023
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry reports that a violation of the ceasefire was recorded near Shushi region in its daily communique. The command of the Russian peacekeeping mission is investigating the incident.
9:29 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire regime on the eastern and southwestern parts of the Line of Contact using firearms and grenade launchers. In the village of Nakhijevanik, in Artsakh’s Askeran region, Azerbaijani units opened fire at farmers carrying out agricultural work. The Russian peacekeeping mission has been informed about the incident.
March 30, 2023
1:48 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani military units fired on peaceful civilians carrying out agricultural work in the Berdashen and Taghavard communities of the Martuni region. The Russian peacekeepers have been informed of the ceasefire violations.
1:38 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. They discussed the ongoing crisis caused by Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
11 a.m.: At a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Azerbaijan is not only refusing to comply with the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but is also further “aggravating the situation by taking steps aimed at blocking the internal transport communication of Nagorno Karabakh.” He said that from the newly captured height, Azerbaijani forces now “directly observe the dirt road connecting Stepanakert with Hin Shen, Mets Shen and several other villages.” He said the Azerbaijani justification for the move, that Armenia allegedly transfers military cargo and personnel to Nagorno Karabakh, is “completely untrue” and a “propaganda lie.” Pashinyan added that to verify this, Armenia has proposed sending an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh.
He also touched upon the earlier reports by Azerbaijan and Artsakh authorities regarding a change of route in the Lachin Corridor. He said that yesterday the Armenian side had informed Azerbaijan that after the Kornidzor bridge, the new road will continue only through the territory of Armenia, and that the border guard troops of Armenia will take over the protection of the state border in that area. Pashinyan said that Armenian border guard troops will be stationed at Armenia’s state border on the same positions where the units of the Defense Ministry of Defense were stationed until now.
He said this change has been presented in Azerbaijani media as “another blockbuster”, which is “not constructive in the least.” He added that “no change in the Armenian positions has occurred as a result of all this, with the difference that we intend to protect the area in question, unlike before, through Border Guard troops.”
10:41 a.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces blocked the Goris-Stepanakert highway on the Tegh-Aghavno section. The new Tegh-Kornidzor unpaved road bypassing the blocked section is ready, which links to the Kornidzor-Hin Shen road that started operating in August 2022. Paving works are currently underway on the road; it is expected to be ready in May.
The Ministry also informs that the Tegh-Kornidzor dirt road is passable and, taking into account the ongoing blockade of Artsakh, it is possible to transfer humanitarian aid to the people of Artsakh by Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
9:43 a.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry released the following statement:
“In regard with the commissioning of the new Lachin road, several high grounds between Jaghazur and Zabukh villages of Lachin region, main and auxiliary roads, as well as large areas along the border were taken under the control of the Azerbaijan Army Units.”
March 29, 2023
8 p.m.: Russia’s Defense Ministry reports in its daily communique that the ceasefire was violated near the Shushi region. No casualties were reported. The command of the Russian peacekeeping mission is investigating the incident with the Armenia and Azerbaijani sides.
2:39 p.m.: A report by a specialized team of economists led by Vardan Aramyan, an international consultant for finance management, said that Nagorno-Karabakh is suffering at least $1.9 million in economic damages every day amid the ongoing Azerbaijani blockade. The report was commissioned by the Artsakh government.
“The longer the blockade lasts the more damage is inflicted upon the economic potential. Someday soon we might face a situation when there won’t be an economic life at all, and there’ll only be consumption, the money will flow from the outside, the residents will simply consume, and the consumed products will mostly be imported,” Aramyan warned.
March 28, 2023
1:14 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry responded to Baku’s proposal to hold a meeting between the representatives of Azerbaijan and Artsakh in Baku in the beginning of April. Stepanakert states that while Artsakh has always advocated and continues to advocate for dialogue and a peaceful, negotiated solution to all existing problems and has never refused contacts with the Azerbaijan, “the conditions proposed by the Azerbaijani side regarding the place and agenda of the meeting, as well as the context in which the proposal was made, indicate that the goal of the Azerbaijani authorities is not to have genuine discussion on existing problems, but to disrupt a possible dialogue or to impose their own political agenda through coercion, blockade, creating unbearable living conditions and the use of military force.”
“In this regard, we consider it necessary to recall that three days ago, on March 25, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, in flagrant violation of the trilateral ceasefire statement of November 9, 2020, crossed the line of contact and moved further into the territory of the Republic of Artsakh, in the direction of the unpaved Stepanakert-Lisagor road. Moreover, on March 27, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces made another attempt to take control of the mentioned road, which is the only possibility of emergency communication between the communities of Shushi region and other settlements of the republic under the conditions of blockade,” the statement says.
The Artsakh authorities reaffirmed their readiness to meet with the representatives of Azerbaijan in line with the established practice of previous meetings, that is through the mediation and at the deployment site of the command of the Russian Peacekeeping Mission to discuss issues of ensuring the normal life of the people of Artsakh and the proper implementation by the parties of their obligations, in particular, those related to the unimpeded functioning of the Lachin Corridor. “In this context, we consider the reopening of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia through the Lachin Corridor and addressing the humanitarian, infrastructural and other urgent issues caused by the blockade to be a priority,” the MFA statement reads.
March 27, 2023
10:13 p.m.: Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Karen Donfried spoke with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Bayramov and “expressed concern over Azerbaijani military movements.”
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry reported a ceasefire violation in the Martakert region. There were no casualties. Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs informed that on March 26, Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on a farmer carrying out agricultural work in the Martakert region.
11:38 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that at around 9 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces tried to advance in the direction of one of the heights near the Stepanakert-Lisagor dirt road. The Azerbaijani advance was stopped by the Defense Army. The Russian peacekeepers have been informed about the incident.
10:32 a.m.: The Office of Azerbaijan’s President again proposes “to hold a meeting in Baku in the first week of April for the reintegration of representatives of the Armenian community of Karabakh, as well as to discuss the implementation of infrastructure projects in Karabakh as a continuation of the meeting held in Khojaly on March 1 and the invitation presented on March 13.”
March 26, 2023
3 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired at farmers carryng out agricultural work in the Martuni region on two occasions. Russia’s Defense Ministry also stated in its daily communique that “violation of the ceasefire regime was recorded in the Martuni region.” The Russian peacekeeping mission is investigating the incident.
March 25, 2023
11:45 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that after the positional advance of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces to one of the heights adjacent to the Stepanakert-Ghaibalishen-Lisagor road, the Russian peacekeepers have positioned themselves on the given height and are controlling it. At the same time, they are negotiating with the Azerbaijani side to ensure their retreat to their starting position.
According to the report, in parallel to the Russian peacekeeping mission’s actions, units of the Defense Army have taken and are taking appropriate steps to prevent further possible provocations by Azerbaijan and, if necessary, to ensure the safe use of the mountain road.
The authorities of Artsakh are in constant contact with the command staff of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation in order to take all possible measures towards the settlement of the situation.
11:36 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the advancement of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, expressing Stepanakert’s expectation “that the Russian peacekeeping forces will take practical steps to eliminate the consequences of Azerbaijan’s repeated violation of provisions of the November 9 trilateral statement, as well as to prevent any new possible violations.”
The Artsakh authorities also call on the international community “to adopt a hard position to force Azerbaijan to return to the legal framework and implement its international obligations.The international community and, in particular, the United Nations Security Council should take specific collective measures aimed at the immediate opening of the Lachin Corridor and curbing Azerbaijan’s genocidal policy.”
7 p.m.: Russia’s Defense Ministry reports that the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, in violation of the the first point of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, crossed the line of contact between the parties in the Shushi region, captured a height at 2054 m, around 2.9 km northeast of Mount Sarybaba and proceeded with engineering work (fortification) on the site.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Russian peacekeepers are taking measures to prevent the escalation of the crisis situation and to prevent mutual provocations by the warring parties. “The Azerbaijani side has been informed of the requirement to comply with the provisions of the tripartite agreements of the heads of state, take measures to stop engineering work and withdraw units of the national armed forces to their previously occupied positions,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.
The Russian MoD also reported a violation of the ceasefire regime in the Martuni region. There were no casualties. The forces of the Russian peacekeeping contingent are investigating this incident.
5:45 p.m.: The Artsakh Info Center reports that on March 25, 2023, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, once again violating the obligations assumed by the Tripartite Statement of November 9, 2020, violated the line of contact in the Shushi-Lisagor section and ensured a certain positional advancement in the territory of the Artsakh Republic.
The authorities of the Artsakh Republic immediately informed the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces about yet another gross violation of the provisions of the Tripartite Statement, taking into account the mission and functions assumed by them pursuant to the document. The authorities expect the peacekeeping troops to take practical steps in order to eliminate the consequences of this violation and prevent new ones.
According to the communique, the false claim of the Azerbaijani side about the use of the Stepanakert-Ghaibalishen-Lisagor mountainous road for the purpose of transporting ammunition is just a pretext for their next aggressive and destructive actions. On March 5, they attacked and killed three police officers on duty and injured another one with the same claim.
The authorities of Artsakh have stated several times that under the conditions of the blockade that started on December 12, this mountain road is used for the organization of civil and urgent communication between Stepanakert and the four communities of Shushi region, which is carried out by off-road vehicles, taking into account the very difficult and dangerous terrain of the area.
The statement says that the existence and normal activity of the “Defense Army does not pose any threat, as it is intended exclusively for self-defense, considering the real and immediate dangers and threats against the physical existence and security of the people of Artsakh.”
5:30 p.m.: The Azerbaijani authorities announced that Azerbaijani Armed Forces “took appropriate control measures in order to prevent the use for illegal activities of unpaved roads north of the Lachin Road, as well as further escalation of the situation and potential provocations by the transportation of weapons and ammunition to the territories of Azerbaijan by Armenia.”
Citing Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry Azatutyun reports that according to the Azerbaijani side, “members of the Armenian illegal armed organization tried to dig trenches under the guise of agricultural work in the direction of the settlement of Yukhara Veisel in Fuzul” in the territory under the control of Russian peacekeepers. According to the Azerbaijani report, “as a result of urgent measures taken by our units, the works were immediately stopped.”
5:25 p.m.: EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar tweeted that European Council President Charles Michel held substantial phone calls with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, “signaling continued strong engagement at the highest level.”
4:55 p.m.: In a press release the European Council informs that President Charles Michel had separate phone conversations with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
In follow-up to his latest meetings with the leaders in Munich on February 16-17, 2023, President Michel raised with them the various topics discussed in the framework of the Brussels process between their first trilateral meeting held on December 14, 2021 and their fourth meeting held on August 31, 2022.
President Michel expressed concerns about the continuous crisis around the Lachin Corridor, the recent casualties and sharp increase in tensions on the ground as well as accompanying negative rhetoric.
He urged his counterparts to look for compromise solutions and to refrain from any actions that could lead to risks of escalation.
March 24, 2023
10:02 a.m.: Ambassador-at-Large Edmon Marukyan responded to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s earlier remarks. “With its entire legal & political history, Nagorno-Karabakh is incomparable with the Donetsk, Lugansk or Serbs of Kosovo, because it՛s always been an autonomy, and a self-proclaimed state in the last 30 years,” Marukyan tweeted. He said the international community should take into account the entire historical legal and political background of the conflict, “otherwise any solution built upon irrelevant examples will lead to the deepening of the problem and its non-resolution.”
March 23, 2023
10:40 a.m.: The Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Netherlands was summoned to the Dutch Foreign Ministry to communicate the need to fully implement the ICJ decision and unblock the Lachin Corridor. Dutch Foreign Minister Wobke Hoekstra said that the Netherlands has repeatedly raised its concerns about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, at several occasions including in bilateral talks with the Azerbaijani authorities, as in the recent meeting between the Dutch Prime Minister Rutte and Azerbaijani President Aliyev. The Minister has conveyed these concerns in several conversations with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister.
2 a.m.: At a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he is “pressing on Azerbaijan, including as recently as this week, to re-open” the Lachin Corridor.
March 22, 2023
6:05 p.m.: The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a statement expressing great concern by the humanitarian crisis unfolding due to the ongoing obstruction of the Lachin Corridor.
It noted that the corridor is the “lifeline between those living in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia” and endorsed the PACE co-rapporteurs statement calling for the “immediate cessation of the unlawful and illegitimate obstruction of the Lachin Corridor.” The Committee also called on the Azerbaijani authorities to implement without delay the measures addressed to it by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of February 22, 2023 and of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) of December 21, 2022 whose decisions noted the obligation on Azerbaijan under the trilateral statement, signed on November 9, 2020, to “guarantee the security of persons, vehicles and cargo moving along the Lachin Corridor in both directions” (Article 6 of the trilateral statement).
5:50 p.m.: During a Q&A session in parliament, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Armenia does not negotiate on the issue of setting up a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor. “Armenia considers that the negotiations on the Lachin Corridor and its regime have long been completed and the regulations were included in the document signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on November 9, 2020. It says that the Lachin Corridor remains under the control of Russian peacekeepers and Azerbaijan ensures unhindered two-way traffic,” he said.
3:06 p.m.: The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Armenia shared their findings with the PACE Monitoring Committee following their visit to Armenia on February 17-19. They observed that movement along the Lachin Corridor is “severely obstructed”, making the transport of some essential supplies impossible. “This situation could soon result in a humanitarian crisis,” the report said. They called on Azerbaijan to allow an independent assessment of the situation. “We urge the Azerbaijani authorities to authorize an independent fact-finding visit and to allow independent journalists to operate freely in the whole area,” they added.
1:44 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired at farmers working in vineyards in the Martuni region. The command of the Russian peacekeeping mission has been informed about the incident.
March 21, 2023
8:25 p.m.: In a phone call with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the importance of reopening the Lachin Corridor to commercial and private vehicles. Secretary Blinken said the United States looked forward to continued cooperation with Azerbaijan on the peace process.
6:29 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry once again accused “illegal Armenian armed detachments in the territory of Azerbaijan, where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily deployed” in transporting military cargo from Armenia using alternative dirt roads to the Lachin Corridor. “Taking advantage of the night hours and foggy weather conditions, illegal Armenian armed detachments transfer manpower, ammunition, mines, as well as fuel, water, food and other logistic support assets to combat positions through the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turshsu dirt road,” Azerbaijan’s MoD stated.
Azerbaijan further accused the Russian peacekeeping contingent of accompanying the “vehicles belonging to illegal Armenian armed detachments…We reiterate that the implementation of military transportation accompanied by the Russian peacekeeping contingent is a gross violation of the provisions of the Trilateral Statement and unacceptable,” the statement reads.1:09 p.m.: The Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh published an ad hoc report on the violations of individual and collective human rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the 100-day-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
March 20, 2023
7:09 p.m.: At a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan in Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said they discussed in detail ways to resolve the situation around the Lachin Corridor and in Nagorno-Karabakh. “We reaffirmed the importance of the speedy resumption of the negotiation process in all areas of the trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia,” he stated.
Lavrov stated the “problem of the Lachin Corridor should be considered exclusively” within the context of the tripartite agreements of the leaders of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan, especially the November 2020 statement. “Only the full implementation of the aspects of the agreements concerning the Lachin Corridor can resolve the current situation. This is exactly what our peacekeepers are doing now. We talked about this in detail today. I hope that all parties will understand that this part, like all other parts of the tripartite statement, must be implemented by all together. Each party has its own obligations,” Lavrov noted.
The Foreign Minister also said Russia supports direct talks between “representatives of Karabakh and Baku.” Talking about the rights of the Karabakh Armenians, Lavrov mentioned the examples of Donbas (eastern Ukraine) and the Serbs of Kosovo, where they were granted rights to language, local self-government, education, culture, religion, special economic ties with their compatriots (Russia and Serbia, respectively). “The Karabakh people will need the same set of rights as in any similar situation,” Lavrov said.
11:03 a.m: During hearings at the parliamentary committee on legal affairs, Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Matters, said Armenia is working in the direction of raising the issue of Azerbaijan’s non-compliance with the provisional order of the ICJ on unblocking the Lachin Corridor at the UN Security Council. Kirakosyan reiterated that the ICJ ruling is binding and Azerbaijan must comply with it.
Kirakosyan said that article 94 of the UN Charter provides for a certain narrow description pertaining to the rulings, but attempts in the past to bring rulings on provisional measures before the UN Security Council have failed. “But in our case I think we should work in that direction. I know that our colleagues at the foreign ministry are working in that direction. It is highly important for the matter to enter the agenda at the UN Security Council. And we must maximally utilize all diplomatic channels to ensure a favorable discussion of the issue,” Kirakosyan said.
9:49 a.m.: The Russian peacekeeping mission has provided 105 tons in humanitarian aid to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh since the beginning of 2023. The aid includes flour, oil, preserved vegetables, cereals, sugar, cookies, condensed milk, jam, juices.
March 19, 2023
3:05 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire at a civilian carrying out agricultural work near the village of Herher. The Command of the Russian Peacekeeping Mission has been informed about the incident.
March 15, 2023
4:42 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that three farmers came under Azerbaijani fire while working in vineyards in Artsakh’s Amaras valley. The Russian peacekeeping mission has been informed about the incident.
4:23 p.m.: The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. It urges Azerbaijan to “remove any obstacles that would hinder freedom and security of movement along that corridor as stipulated by the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to address all concerns relating to the functioning of the Lachin Corridor through dialogue and consultations with all the parties involved.”
The European Parliament also reaffirmed that an effective and comprehensive peace treaty must include “provisions that guarantee the integrity of Armenia’s sovereign territory, the rights and security of the Armenian population residing in Nagorno-Karabakh and other conflict-affected areas, and the prompt and safe return of refugees and internally displaced people to their homes.” The resolution recalls that the “root cause of the conflict, which is the situation and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and the status of the formerly autonomous region, remains unresolved.”
2:06 p.m.: EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar told News.am that there can be no alternative to direct communication between Artsakh and Azerbaijan.
“The commencement of direct and visible discussions between Baku and representatives of the Armenian population of Karabakh is a step in the right direction and as such should be commended,” Klaar said, adding that such dialogue should aim at building trust and confidence, rather than fueling confrontation.
“We urge all stakeholders to refrain from negative rhetoric and to focus on the search for compromise solutions which would address the legitimate concerns of all,” the EU envoy went on to say.
Klaar also commented on the March 5 incident, when Azerbaijani Armed Forces ambushed and killed three Artsakh police officers and the recent ceasefire violations along the line of contact describing them as “a cause for concern”.
“The EU strongly urges restraint in order to prevent any further escalation. Violence and coercive measures cannot be an option when working towards dialogue and the normalization of relations,” Klaar said, reiterating the EU’s call for the full restoration of freedom and security of movement through the Lachin corridor, and for gas and electricity supplies as well as telecommunications services to Karabakh to continue uninterrupted.
12:34 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army denies accusations by Baku that on March 15 its forces opened fire in the direction of Azerbaijan military positions near Askeran and Martuni regions.
March 14, 2023
8 p.m.: Russia’s Defense Ministry reports in its daily communique that the Russian peacekeepers observed a ceasefire violation near the Martuni region in Artsakh.
2:20 p.m.: At a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the “Lachin road” is not blockaded because there is traffic along the road. He said more than 4,000 vehicles and over 150 people in need of medical assistance had passed along the road since December 12.
1:06 p.m.: Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former NATO Secretary-General, visits the entrance of the Lachin Corridor. In Goris, he met with Nagorno-Karabakh residents unable to return to their homes because of the ongoing Azerbaijani blockade.
In a Facebook post, Rasmussen wrote the following: “Today I visited the Lachin corridor. It is the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world. In December last year, it was blocked by Azerbaijanis. Since then, no civilian or commercial traffic has been able to reach Nagorno-Karabakh. This has left some 120,000 residents without access to essential goods and services, including life-saving medication and health care. Europe cannot close its eyes to a humanitarian crisis happening on our borders. The EU must use its relationship with Azerbaijan and push them to lift the blockade and fulfill their international commitments. If we do not, a humanitarian risks becoming a humanitarian catastrophe.”
10:36 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army denied accusations by Azerbaijan that its forces opened fire in the direction of Azerbaijani military positions near Askeran.
March 13, 2023
11:47 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh issued a statement in response to Azerbaijan’s proposal to hold a meeting between the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan in Baku. The statement reads as follows:
“In response to the proposal of the Office of the President of Azerbaijan to hold a meeting between the representatives of Azerbaijan and Artsakh, we reiterate that the Republic of Artsakh is committed to its previously stated position that such meetings can be held with the mediation of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent, in the same venue as on March 1, 2023, to discuss humanitarian, infrastructural and technical issues, without undue politicization.
“At the same time, we emphasize that the blocking of the Lachin Corridor and the ongoing humanitarian crisis are unacceptable and do not contribute to the creation of a conducive environment for negotiations. We are convinced that Azerbaijan must properly implement both its obligations under the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 and the Order of the International Court of Justice, refraining from the use or threat of force and unilateral maximalist approaches. Only in that case, favorable conditions can be created for further discussions.
“As for the political issues of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict settlement, we reiterate that Artsakh is committed to negotiations aimed at a comprehensive settlement of the conflict, which should be held within an internationally recognised and established format, with international guarantees for equal rights of the parties and implementation of assumed obligations.”
7:47 p.m.: Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former NATO Secretary General, ahead of his visit to Armenia, said that unless Europe and the wider international community act, the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh “risks becoming a humanitarian catastrophe.” Rasmussen stated that the EU “must use its relationship with Azerbaijan, to push them to lift the blockade and fulfill their broader international commitments.”
1:35 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation. According to Pashinyan’s press office they discussed the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Pashinyan also referred to the killing of three Artsakh Armenian police officers by Azerbaijan on March 5, highlighting the importance of a targeted response from Russia in the resolution of the situation in Artsakh.
12:21 p.m.: The Office of the President of Azerbaijan has issued a statement “inviting the representatives of Karabakh to continue contacts on reintegration and discuss the issues related to implementation of infrastructure projects in Karabakh. The second meeting is proposed to be held in Baku in the coming days.”
March 12, 2023
10:21 p.m.: Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant of the President of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, announced that the question of rights and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians is the domestic issue of Azerbaijan. “Azerbaijan will not discuss issues concerning its sovereignty with any third parties, especially the Republic of Hayastan [Armenia in Armenian],” Hajiyev said.
He went on to say that the Karabakh conflict has been resolved and removed from the international agenda. That is why, according to the Azerbaijani official, the documents adopted in Brussels, Moscow, Prague and Sochi do not mention Nagorno-Karabakh.
Hajiyev also stated that creating an international mechanism for discussing the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians cannot happen, adding that Azerbaijan has never agreed to it. “There is no logic in Armenia’s statements on this matter, their aim is to create artificial tension,” he said.
March 11, 2023
8 p.m.: Russia’s Defense Ministry reported a ceasefire violation in Artsakh’s Martakert region. “There were no casualties. The forces of the Russian peacekeeping contingent are investigating this fact,” the daily communique says.
1:07 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry (MoD) refuted Azerbaijani claims that Armenians units passed along the Stepanakert-Ghaybalishen-Lisagor road accompanied by the Russian peacekeepers. “There are neither units of the RA Armed Forces nor military equipment in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh,” the MoD said.
12:29 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry claimed that vehicles transporting personnel of the Armenian Armed Forces and “illegal Armenian armed detachments” accompanied by Russian peacekeepers along the “Khankendi-Khalfali-Turshsu dirt road” were again observed by their units. Azerbaijan claims the Armenian units and detachments were allegedly accompanied by a Russian peacekeeping BTR-82A fighting vehicle.
“We declare that the transportation of military cargo from Armenia to the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan must be stopped immediately, and illegal Armenian armed detachments must be disarmed and withdrawn from Azerbaijani territory in the shortest time. The command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent temporarily stationed in the territory of Azerbaijan must be aware of its responsibilities in this process and fulfill assigned obligations,” the ministry said.
10:33 a.m.: At an official meeting which discussed the situation along the “conditional state border” of Armenia and Azerbaijan and in the “Karabakh economic region”, Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov said the Azerbaijani Army will take “decisive necessary steps to suppress any provocation” from Armenia. The Defense Ministry’s readout accused Armenia of deploying equipment and personnel “for illegal Armenian armed detachments remaining in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan, where the Russian peacekeeping forces are temporarily stationed…The Azerbaijani Army should take suppressive measures against the possible threats of Armenia, which is trying to create fake tension in the region, and should respond adequately if necessary,” the Azerbaijani MoD said.
March 10, 2023
11:14 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that Azerbaijan again cut off the gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh.
10:10 p.m.: The international advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF), after a three-month blockade, calls on the Azerbaijani authorities and Russian peacekeepers to allow reporters freedom of movement so that they can cover this blockade and its serious humanitarian impact.
RSF said Nagorno-Karabakh is “turning into a news and information black hole” because of the blockade. The group noted that only Azerbaijani journalists from state or pro-government media can cover the demonstrations on the corridor. The few independent local media are not allowed through the checkpoints and the few journalists who have been escorted to the point where the road is blocked have not been able to report freely.
8:46 p.m.: Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan told Azatutyun (RFE/RL) that Armenia has never discussed “integration” of Artsakh Armenians within Azerbaijan. Instead, Armenia has discussed the rights and security of Armenians of Artsakh.
8:21 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire regime toward the northern direction of the contact line using firearms from 7:10 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.. The command of the Russian peacekeeping mission has been informed about the ceasefire violation.
12:15 p.m.: The U.S. Embassy in Armenia reports that Ambassador Kristina Kvien traveled to the entrance of the Lachin corridor on March 9, which has been closed to normal traffic for almost three months. Syunik governor Robert Ghukasyan briefed the Ambassador on the effects of the ongoing Lachin corridor blockage, including the impact on hundreds of separated families. He highlighted the support the government has been providing to those affected by the blockage. The Ambassador reiterated Secretary Blinken’s call to reopen the Lachin corridor immediately.
March 9, 2023
8 p.m.: Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova said at a briefing that the “search continues for ways to resolve the situation around the Lachin Corridor and in general in Nagorno-Karabakh. Going into details publicly is pointless due to the sensitivity of the issue.”
11 a.m.: During the weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about the March 5 Azerbaijani ambush of Artsakh police officers and said that with Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor now in its third month, this incident is an indication of a new escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Pashinyan noted that this latest incident is significant since the three police officers who were killed in the ambush were born and lived in Artsakh, referring to the statement made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Munich Security Conference back in February. During a panel discussion at the conference, Aliyev said that according to an agreement, Baku would discuss with representatives of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh the issue of their rights and security. He went on to emphasize that “they are going to hold these discussions with people who were born and live in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
The Armenian PM went on to say that the first meeting of the representatives of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan took place at the headquarters of the peacekeeping mission of the Russian Federation in Nagorno Karabakh on March 1. “…and four days after that meeting, Azerbaijan undertook the mentioned provocation, which is difficult to call anything other than a terrorist act. Three citizens born in Nagorno-Karabakh, with families and three, two and one children in Nagorno-Karabakh fell victim to that terrorist act,” Pashinyan said.
According to Pashinyan, Azerbaijan is pursuing multiple objectives with the March 5 attack:
“The first is aborting further negotiations with the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh and creating the necessary background for a new military provocation.
“The next goal of the March 5 provocation was to create false evidence that weapons and ammunition are being transported from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. This topic is important for Azerbaijan especially after the February 22 decision of the International Court of Justice, when the court unequivocally rejected Azerbaijan’s request to indicate a provisional measure against Armenia, by which Azerbaijan accused Armenia of placing landmines. With that rejection, the groundless accusations against Armenia about mines, which had been on all international platforms for several months now, collapsed, and this was extremely important. Thus, Azerbaijan tried to present the incident of March 5 as proof of the transfer of weapons and ammunition from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh.
“The next important goal of Azerbaijan was to use terrorism to create new narratives which will cover an important fact, that Azerbaijan is openly not fulfilling the decision of the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice, regarding the opening of the Lachin Corridor.
“Emphasizing all of this, it becomes more and more urgent to send an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor to prevent a new aggression by Azerbaijan and the obvious preparations of Azerbaijan to subject the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing and genocide, which is expressed by not fulfilling the decisions of international courts, keeping the Lachin Corridor closed, carrying out military provocations and acts of terrorism.”
March 8, 2023
5 p.m.: In an interview with Azatutyun (RFE/RL), Louis Bono, the new U.S. envoy for the South Caucasus, said the United States is not considering imposing sanctions on Azerbaijan over its continuing blockade of the Lachin Corridor. “This is not a time for sanctions. I am here to work with both parties to lead them towards peace. Sanctions would be counterproductive. It’s not even under consideration at this point,” he stated.
3:39 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry denied accusations by the Azerbaijani side that on March 7 a column of military vehicles of the Armed Forces of Armenia, accompanied by the Russian peacekeepers, passed along the Stepanakert-Ghaibalishen-Lisagor road and that the personnel of the Armed Forces of Armenia were transported along the same road.
“We officially emphasize that this information is completely false, it does not have and cannot have any factual basis and does not correspond to reality.
“With such ‘scandalous revelations’ Azerbaijan is trying to divert the attention of the international community from:
“1. The terrorist act carried out by the Azerbaijani armed forces on March 5, as a result of which three employees of the passport service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Nagorno-Karabakh were killed, and one employee was injured.
“2. The fact that Azerbaijan is not implementing the legally binding decision of the International Court of Justice on the Lachin Corridor and has kept the Lachin Corridor blocked in defiance of the Court’s decision,
“3. The fact of not fulfilling its international obligations on the Lachin Corridor undertaken by the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020.
“To divert the attention of the international community from these obvious facts, Azerbaijan has adopted the practice of disinformation and escalation, trying to create a false information basis to launch a new aggression not only against Nagorno-Karabakh, but also the Republic of Armenia.
“Moreover, to ‘justify’ its behavior, Azerbaijan continues its policy of presenting Armenia in the West as extremely pro-Russian, and in Russia – as extremely pro-Western.
“Armenia has repeatedly stated that no munitions or goods of military significance were transported through the Lachin corridor both before and after its blockade since December 12, 2020.
“Furthermore, we reaffirm that the Republic of Armenia does not have an army in Nagorno-Karabakh. The proposal to send an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh to verify the authenticity of this information was repeatedly rejected by the highest leadership of Azerbaijan.
“Reaffirming Armenia’s desire to achieve peace in the region, we once again highlight the need for the immediate dispatch of an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor to prevent new Azerbaijani aggression and Azerbaijan’s obvious preparations to subject the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing and genocide.”
9:55 a.m.: According to Azerbaijani news agency APA, EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar said during an interview that the idea that there should be transparency about what is being transported on the Lachin road is legitimate. “Because we do not want the Lachin road to be used for any shipment of goods that would exacerbate tensions or be used for any military or sort of illicit purposes,” Klaar said.
He added that the manner in which this transparency is achieved is subject to discussions and negotiations. “I think there are several ways of doing that. And I believe some of these have been discussed in the past like, for instance, Russians having some additional equipment on the checkpoint to be able to better inspect what is going in and what is going out,” the EU envoy noted.
Speaking about the Lachin Corridor and the so-called Zangezur corridor, Klaar stated. “I think the view in Armenia is true that these are two separate issues. One is the Lachin road, which is covered in one point of the November 2020 Statement, and then there is the connection between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan which is covered in another point of the 2020 Statement. So, from that point of view, these are treated in different areas of that statement. But, in the end, it is a question of discussion, of negotiation.
Our view of course is that, indeed, it is legitimate to have transparency, I think it is also important to have, for the people, for the Armenian inhabitants of Karabakh, a sense of security for them to be able to move back and forth. And in the present circumstances, whatever the facts about goods being brought in or not, it is certainly not the same level as it was in November 2022 and we believe that we have to return to that kind of movement that we had before the protesters arrived on the road.”
March 7, 2023
9:20 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry announced that Azerbaijan spread disinformation, claiming that on March 7, the military column of the Armenian Armed Forces accompanied by the Russian peacekeepers passed along the Stepanakert-Ghaibalishen-Lisagor road. According to the Armenian side, the claims of the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan regarding the transfer of the Armenian Armed Forces’ personnel are also false.
8 p.m.: The EU delegation to the UN in Geneva stated that the EU “remains concerned that the continuing disruption to freedom of movement through the Lachin corridor is affecting human rights in Nagorno Karabakh, including rights to health, education and food.”
The EU called on the “Azerbaijani authorities and all responsible to guarantee freedom and security of movement along the corridor, in line with the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, and to abide by the order of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023.”
The EU also urged Azerbaijan and Armenia to continue to engage in dialogue, including at the leaders’ level. “We look forward to the continuation of the President of the European Council Michel’s facilitated peace process,” the EU said.
9 p.m.: Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate, entitled ”Women and Peace and Security: Towards the 25th Anniversary of Resolution 1325”, Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Mher Margaryan said the blockade of the Lachin Corridor has had a “disproportionate impact upon the women in Nagorno-Karabakh, who have to face a multitude of challenges, including in terms of access to healthcare and essential services.”
He described the blockade of Artsakh as “Azerbaijan’s barbaric medieval siege”, where mothers and children in Nagorno-Karabakh are the main targets of the blockade, as the “disruption in cargo and supply chains has affected families with young children the most, with the risk of malnourishment and even starvation becoming a real problem.”
March 6, 2023
11:30 p.m.: In a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the United States is “following reports of a shooting incident on March 5th inside Nagorno-Karabakh which killed five individuals.”
“We offer our condolences to the families of those injured and killed. There can be no military solution to conflict, and the use of force to resolve disputes is never acceptable. The only way to sustain peace is at the negotiating table and to – and the use of force undermines negotiations,” he said.
11:05 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry released a statement accusing Russia’s Defense Ministry of distorting facts and spreading “untruthful information” about the March 5 incident. Azerbaijan insisted its allegation that “Armenian military formations” were “transporting illegal military supplies.” Azerbaijan claims that “Armenia continues to supply weapons, ammunition, and other military means to illegal Armenian armed formations in the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan” and that Russian peacekeeping forces “must completely fulfill the assigned duties” in preventing “such unacceptable situations.”
The statement warned against the transportation of “military cargo” by Armenia to the territory of Azerbaijan and deployment of “Armenian armed forces’ military personnel,” adding that “Armenian troops must be completely withdrawn from the territory of our country.”
“Otherwise, the Azerbaijani side will have to take decisive and necessary measures by using all possibilities in order to disarm and neutralize illegal gunmen,” Azerbaijan’s MoD said.
8:26 p.m.: Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan and Armenia’s representative on international legal issues Yeghishe Kirakosyan briefed heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia and the representatives of international organizations on the details of the March 5 ambush by Azerbaijani forces in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Gevorgyan said the ambush was pre-planned by Azerbaijan and was carried out against a non-military target. The attention of foreign diplomats has been drawn to the fact that for more than two weeks, the legally binding decision made by the International Court of Justice regarding the opening of the Lachin Corridor has been flagrantly disregarded by the Azerbaijani authorities. “The fact that this terrorist act is taking place even under the conditions of ignoring the decision proves that Azerbaijan has become a malicious violator of international law,” the Armenian Foreign Ministry readout says.
Kirakosyan noted that “only targeted assessments and clear actions by the international community can help restrain Azerbaijan’s aggressive policy and support efforts to establish stability and lasting peace in the region.”
7:56 p.m.: The EU External Action Service issued a statement regarding the “deadly incident on the Karabakh Line of Contact,” deploring “the outbreak of violence yesterday on the Karabakh Line of Contact, which led to at least five deaths.”
“The circumstances surrounding this deadly incident need to be fully investigated. We urge all stakeholders to show restraint in order to prevent any further actions which could further undermine regional stability and threaten the peace process,” the statement reads.
7:01 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Brice Roquefeuil, the French Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. Pashinyan highlighted the sabotage attack carried out by the Azerbaijani armed forces in Nagorno Karabakh on March 5 and emphasized that their actions “cannot be described as anything other than terrorism.”
Pashinyan said that with the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Azerbaijan continues to terrorize the Armenian population of Artsakh with the ultimate goal of accomplishing ethnic cleansing. The sides “emphasized the need for Azerbaijan to immediately implement the decision of the International Court of Justice on unblocking the Lachin Corridor.” Pashinyan added that “under the existing conditions, sending an international fact-finding team to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno Karabakh becomes a vital necessity.”
7 p.m.: Russia’s Defense Ministry states in its daily communique that at 10 a.m. on March 5, in the area of the settlement of Dyukyanlar, Azerbaijani servicemen fired at a car with law enforcement officers of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“As a result of the clash, three people were killed and one employee who was in the car was injured. On the Azerbaijani side, the losses were two dead, one wounded. Through the efforts of Russian peacekeepers, the clash was stopped. The command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, together with the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides, is conducting an investigation,” the statement said.
6:55 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of France “deplores the casualties caused by the serious incident on 5 March, in which a vehicle carrying police officers traveling near the Lachin Corridor was targeted by Azerbaijani forces in the area under the responsibility of Russian peacekeeping forces. It is important that all the light be shed on the facts. We also call for strict respect for the ceasefire.”
6:24 p.m.: Javier Colomina, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs & Security Policy and Special Representative for the Caucasus & Central Asia, tweeted “Very concerned with reports of deadly the incident in vicinity of Khankendi/Stepanakert. This incident demonstrates the urgency to find solutions for outstanding issues at the negotiation table. NATO supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
5:46 p.m.: Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan announced during a Security Council Session that the meetings with the Azerbaijani side facilitated by the Russian peacekeeping mission on February 24 and March 1 on humanitarian and infrastructural issues did not give results.
Moreover, Harutunyan stated that after that, the Azerbaijani side conveyed through its channels that either Artsakh accept the integration policy, or there will be no solution to the existing problems, on the contrary, there will be tougher and more drastic steps.
“We did not accept, do not accept and today I want to state again that it is not only a decision of the Security Council, but the overwhelming majority of our people accept that we will not deviate from our right to independence and self-determination,” Harutyunyan said.
4:46 p.m.: Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the attack on Artsakh-Armenian police officers by Azerbaijani Armed Forces. The statement reads as follows:
“We express our serious concern at the escalation of tension in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Over the past few days there have been repeated violations of the ceasefire regime. On March 5, an armed incident took place, resulting in casualties from both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides.
“We urge the parties to exercise restraint and take steps to de-escalate the situation. We reaffirm the need to strictly comply with the provisions of the November 9 trilateral statement on a complete ceasefire and cessation of all military actions in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
“Any issues related to ensuring security and living conditions in the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent (RPC) must be resolved peacefully through communication between the parties under the auspices of the RPC.”
March 5, 2023
8:37 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reports that two Azerbaijani servicemen were killed. Baku claims they were “as a result of the provocation committed by illegal Armenian formations during the morning of March 5.”
6:19 p.m.: EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar tweeted “The deadly incident today underscores the urgency of pushing forward with negotiations to achieve stability & a fair peace.” He also said that he arrived in Baku hoping for substantive meetings with the Azerbaijani leadership to advance the peace process after meetings in Munich.
4:51 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issued the following statement regarding the Azerbaijani ambush in Artsakh, that left three Armenian police officers dead and one wounded:
“The facts prove that this provocation was pre-planned and instructed by the highest leadership of Azerbaijan. After the ambush, Azerbaijan’s official bodies spread disinformation alleging that they received reports that weapons, ammunition and personnel are being transferred from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh and acted on these.
“The official version of events put forward by Azerbaijan is absurd: they have not presented and cannot present any fact and justification supporting that version. This happens less than two weeks after the decision of the International Court of Justice that wholly rejected Azerbaijan’s absurd claims on the alleged laying of landmines by Armenia.
“The video that Nagorno-Karabakh Police has at its disposal proves that the Azerbaijani military attacked the “UAZ” minivan that carried four employees of the Nagorno-Karabakh Ministry of Internal Affairs, who were on their way from Stepanakert to Hin Shen and Mets Shen villages of Nagorno-Karabakh. Moreover, the videos prove that there was nothing in the minivan except official documents and a service pistol.
“The actions of the Azerbaijani forces cannot be described as anything other than terrorism. In parallel to blocking the Lachin corridor and creating a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh for almost three months, Azerbaijan continues to terrorize the Armenians of Artsakh by creating inhumane conditions for living in their homeland with the ultimate goal of ethnic cleansing.
“It is noteworthy that after the International Court of Justice on February 22 granted Armenia’s request to apply a provisional measure against Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani side not only did not take steps towards the implementation of the legally binding decision of the Court but committed new crimes against Armenians of Artsakh, including civilians. On February 28, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on a resident of the village of Myurishen, Martuni region of Artsakh, who was carrying out agricultural work. The ceasefire was also violated by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on March 2 and on the night of March 2-3, near the territories of Askeran, Martakert and Martuni regions under Azerbaijani control.
“The mentioned actions of Azerbaijan are the practical denial of Baku’s sincerity regarding the establishment of peace and stability in the region. This once again shows the need for guarantees for ensuring the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and the international involvement in them.
“The Republic of Armenia calls on the international community, countries and international organizations interested in the establishment of real peace in our region to strongly condemn the use of force and the threat of force by Azerbaijan, as well as another manifestation of provoking large-scale hostilities and take active steps to prevent further violations of Azerbaijan’s own international obligations.
“Under current circumstances, sending an international fact-finding mission to the Lachin corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh becomes a vital necessity.”
4:42 p.m.: In an indication of Azerbaijan’s long-term aim, Nasimi Aghayev, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Germany, tweeted that setting up an Azerbaijani checkpoint on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor, “is now a must.”
1:26 p.m.: In an updated communique,the Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that the Azerbaijani attack on a group of Artsakh police officers of the Passport and Visa Department in the area known as Khaypau happened at 10 a.m. in the morning of March 5. The Ministry also reports that three police officers have died as a result of the attack and one officer has sustained a gunshot wound in the chest and is currently at the Stepanakert Republican Hospital.
12:05 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces attacked a group of Artsakh police officers during shift change in the area known as Khaypalu. According to preliminary information one officer was killed and another one was wounded. More details will be provided by Artsakh authorities later.
Yesterday, the Russian peacekeeping mission reported about ceasefire violations near Martuni and Shushi.
March 3, 2023
10:22 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reported a ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan in the regions of Askeran, Martakert and Martuni on March 2 and early March 3 with the use of small arms. There were no casualties and the Russian peacekeeping contingent has been notified of the violation.
March 2, 2023
9 p.m.: During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the status quo regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict cannot continue and there needs to be a long-term solution to the benefit of people.
“There needs to be a peaceful settlement in terms of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh citizens’ right to self-determination. These principles are equally applicable,” Scholz said.
In his speech, Pashinyan stressed that the ICJ’s February 22 ruling is a “legally binding decision for Azerbaijan” and called on international partners to “take active steps to ensure the immediate implementation of the court’s decision by Azerbaijan.”
3:52 p.m.: At the OSCE, France “took note” of the ICJ order on the Lachin Corridor. France reiterated its “unfailing support for the Court and the binding nature of its decisions, even as an indication of interim measures.” The UK Ambassador to the OSCE Neil Bush said the UK Government remains “deeply concerned by the continued disruption” to the Lachin Corridor, particularly the flow of goods and people. He said the issue “remains near the top of the international agenda.” He added that the UK Government “has taken note of all the judgements” by the ICJ and “urges immediate action be taken to restore the flow of goods and people into Nagorno-Karabakh.”
March 1, 2023
8:50 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of a citizen carrying out agricultural work in the Martuni region. A similar incident happened on February 28. The Russian peacekeeping mission has been informed about the ceasefire violations.
2 p.m.: During a Cabinet meeting President Arayik Harutyunyan presented newly appointed State Minister Gurgen Nersesyan to the government. Harutyunyan stated that the State Minister will have a large-range of powers; all the ministries, besides the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will operate under his oversight.
1 p.m.: The command of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh facilitated another meeting between the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan. The resumption of unimpeded transportation through the Lachin Corridor and the use of the corridor for intended purposes was discussed during the meeting.
The sides also discussed the unrestricted supply of gas and electricity to Artsakh. The possibility of Azerbaijani representatives conducting monitoring in the Kashen and Drmbon mines was also touched upon.
EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar tweeted “Encouraging news from Khojaly [Ivanyan – near the Stepanakert Airport] today regarding contacts between Baku representatives and Karabakh Armenians. Good that discussions appear to have focused both on immediate concerns and broader issues.”
February 28, 2023
7:40 p.m.: During his speech at the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also touched upon the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Artsakh. He made the following remarks:
“As the High Commissioner recently put it, in spite of geopolitical differences the Council should be the place where we come together to protect our shared human rights values and our shared humanity. We concur with him that the greatest challenge of the human rights system has been to ensure equal attention to the protection of the rights of all.
“We believe that the protection of the human rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh has been continuously overlooked. While we can appreciate the gravity of the situation elsewhere because of other conflicts and crises, there cannot be any hierarchies of suffering based on geopolitical considerations and interests.
“Against all odds, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have been striving to exercise their human rights freely. This determination has not changed even after devastating repetitive waves of repression and aggression of Azerbaijan that killed thousands of people and ruined hundreds of towns and villages, civilian infrastructure, cultural and religious heritage. The international community, however, remained largely inactive as Azerbaijan’s appetite was emboldened by impunity. The latter, then, attacked and occupied the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia.
“In the atmosphere of such total impunity, Azerbaijan continues to breach principles of the international human rights law and international humanitarian law. It has been for around 80 days that Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the outer world. Azerbaijan has also disrupted the electricity and is regularly cutting the gas supply. As a result, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan announced at the highest level that it can lift the blockade for all those who want to leave Nagorno-Karabakh. It is a creeping ethnic cleansing in making.
“In this context, I would like to underline that on February 22 the International Court of Justice issued a legally binding provisional measure against Azerbaijan in the proceedings brought by Armenia against it, while unanimously rejecting Azerbaijan’s requests made in the parallel proceedings with respect to alleged laying of mines by Armenia. In the mentioned order, the Court has found that there is an imminent risk of irreparable harm to Armenians’ rights under the Convention for Elimination of Racial Discrimination and ordered Azerbaijan to take all necessary measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The ICJ provisional measures are legally binding, however, thus far Azerbaijan failed to lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor.
“Azerbaijan commits this crime amid the wide and truly global demand to open the Lachin Corridor, including by the UN Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“In the same manner, Azerbaijan has failed to investigate the extrajudicial executions, torture, mutilation and desecration of the bodies of dead Armenian soldiers, including women, as was specifically called upon by the UN Special Procedure Mandate Holders. The UN Human Rights experts further emphasized that they still anticipate from Azerbaijan “information on the factual and legal reasons for the continued detention of the Prisoners of War after the cessation of hostilities, and the measures taken to inform families of the disappeared about their fate and the exact whereabouts.”
“Let me conclude, Mr President, by expressing Armenia’s firm conviction that the deployment of the UN interagency mission to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh is the bare minimum that the international community can do in these circumstances. The UN is bestowed with a universal mandate and should enjoy unconditional and unimpeded access to people in need. The UN human rights machinery should be utilized for saving lives, extending the necessary humanitarian assistance and protecting the human rights of the people concerned. The world needs positive and successful cases of the application of international mechanisms, the ones that they were created and mandated for. The international system cannot afford to sustain yet another failure.”
6:05 p.m.: During a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart in Baku, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the operation of the Lachin Corridor must fully comply with the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020, which means the need to ensure free movement for exclusively civilian and humanitarian cargo and civilians. According to him, there is no provision for the creation of any checkpoints, but it is possible to use technical means to remove the existing suspicions that the corridor is really used for its intended purpose.
February 26, 2023
8 p.m.: Russia’s Defense Ministry reported Russian peacekeepers evacuated 49 foreign citizens (including six children) from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia.
5:40 p.m.: Artsakh’s Education Ministry informs that kindergartens will resume classes on February 27.
5:34 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that eight patients, who had been transferred to Armenia for medical treatment, returned to Artsakh. As of February 26, a total of 127 patients have been transported from Artsakh to Armenia with the mediation and support of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
12:17 p.m.: The U.S. Embassy in Armenia told Armenia’s Public TV: “We took note of the ICJ ruling, which reinforced the international community’s shared position, that the Lachin Corridor should be fully reopened to private and commercial traffic. Secretary Blinken conveyed this point directly to President Aliyev when they met on February 18 in Munich.”
February 25, 2023
7:47 p.m.: Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, told RFE/RL that “we’ve seen some encouraging developments in the last few days” regarding the Lachin Corridor. He expressed hope that people and goods will be able to travel through the corridor freely again. “It is again most important that the population feels that they can live safely in the places where they have lived for decades, centuries, and that any other issues, including legitimate concerns, are discussed at the negotiating table,” he stated.
3:18 p.m.: Artsakh authorities refute social media rumors that the Lachin Corridor has been opened.
00:15 a.m.: Artsakhpress reports that the command of the Russian peacekeeping mission facilitated a meeting between the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan authorities. During the meeting the parties agreed to fully restore electricity and gas supply to Artsakh.
February 24, 2023
9:12 p.m.: Following their visit to Armenia on February 17-19 to assess the situation on the border with Azerbaijan and at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor, the co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for the monitoring of Armenia Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland) and Boriana Åberg (Sweden) said the situation in the Lachin Corridor “requires immediate action.”
They note that inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh cannot travel freely out of the region and 954 are still stranded on either side of the corridor. Only the International Committee of the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers’ vehicles are allowed to travel along this corridor, which the co-rapporteurs say is “clearly insufficient to fulfill the needs of the population.” They say “free circulation of all vehicles must be restored urgently in accordance with the Trilateral Statement of 10 November 2020.”
The co-rapporteurs note that the repeated disruption of gas and electricity supply to the territory has resulted in “serious violations of the rights of the inhabitants: many people have already lost their jobs and children are deprived of education since schools had to close.”
February 23, 2023
11:22 p.m.: The European Union takes note of the binding Order issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), indicating that Azerbaijan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. “The EU remains concerned about the obstructions that continue to be in place in the Lachin Corridor and the resulting humanitarian implications for the local civilian population. All concerns of Azerbaijan about the usage of the corridor can and should be addressed exclusively through dialogue,” a statement released by the European External Action Service reads.
The EU reiterates its call on the Azerbaijani authorities, and all those responsible, to guarantee the freedom and safety of movement along the Lachin Corridor, in line with commitments undertaken under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020. We also underscore the vital need to ensure uninterrupted supplies of gas, electricity and other services to the affected population.
11:04 p.m.: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke on the phone with UN Secretary General António Guterres. They discussed the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and on how to overcome it, including “issues related to sending a UN fact-finding mission” to Nagorno Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor. They agreed to continue discussions on the issue of sending a UN mission. Guterres said he will keep the issue at the center of his attention.
9:13 p.m.: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They discussed the humanitarian, environmental, and energy crises in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor. Pashinyan “attached importance to the implementation of the necessary steps by the Russian Federation to overcome it.”
7:00 p.m.: France has duly noted the ICJ ruling regarding the situation in the Lachin Corridor. France reiterates its unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and the binding nature of its rulings, including in the indication of provisional measures.
4:24 p.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan was sacked by a decree issued by President Arayik Harutyunyan. The President publicized the decree during a cabinet meeting. Harutyunyan thanked Vardanyan for his efforts both in raising international awareness of Artsakh and solving numerous domestic problems during the blockade.
12:47 p.m.: Rahman Mustafayev, the Azerbaijani ambassador to the Netherlands, tweeted: “Inspired by the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Azerbaijani activists and NGOs continue their peaceful action. Azerbaijan continues to take all measures at AT ITS DISPOSAL to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin road in both directions.”
11 a.m.: During the weekly cabinet meeting PM Nikol Pashinyan talked about the political significance of the ICJ ruling, demanding that Azerbaijan unblock the Lachin Corridor. He noted that the ICJ recorded that the Lachin Corridor has been closed since December 12, 2022, adding that with this, Azerbaijan’s practice of misleading the international community was recorded by the world’s highest court.
The second important circumstance, according to Pashinyan, is that the Court recorded the responsibility of Azerbaijan for the closure of the Lachin Corridor, essentially not considering the closure of the corridor by eco-activists to be serious, and obliged Azerbaijan to open the corridor.
Another point is that the court reaffirmed Armenia’s position that according to the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020, the Lachin Corridor should not be under the control of Azerbaijan, and that Baku is obliged under the same document to guarantee the safety of the movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo through the Lachin Corridor from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh.
Pashinyan noted that another important point is that the court clearly recorded the existence of the Nagorno-Karabakh entity in accordance with the trilateral declaration and its provisions of November 9, 2020. Among them, legal significance was attached to Nagorno-Karabakh and the presence of the contact line.
Pashinyan also touched upon the ICJ’s ruling that Armenia did not provide sufficient evidence that Azerbaijan is responsible for the disruption of the supply of natural gas and electricity to Nagorno-Karabakh. He said it is because the valve of the gas pipeline and the power lines are under Azerbaijani control and thus out of Armenia’s reach, therefore “Armenia could not present direct irrefutable evidence.” Pashinyan stated that gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh has been fully restored.
February 22, 2023
10:42 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the decisions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “The Court has issued a legally binding order against Azerbaijan in the proceedings brought by Armenia against it, while categorically rejecting Azerbaijan’s requests made in the parallel proceedings Azerbaijan brought against Armenia. In the mentioned order, the Court has found that there is an imminent risk of irreparable harm to Armenians’ rights under the CERD, and ordered Azerbaijan to take all necessary measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions,” the Ministry said. The MFA noted that the ICJ unanimously and completely rejected Azerbaijan’s request for provisional measures concerning “fake allegations of landmine laying by Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories.”
The Foreign Ministry said Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh “must now come to an immediate end” in accordance with the Court’s orders and called on “international partners to take efficient steps to ensure the immediate implementation of the Court’s decision by Azerbaijan.”
8:41 p.m.: Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan welcomed the ICJ decision, stating:
“On behalf of the authorities and people of Artsakh, I would like to express special gratitude to Yeghishe Kirakosyan, representative on International Legal Matters of the Republic of Armenia, to all those involved in this proceeding for their most important mission.
“This decision is another unobjectionable international legal basis, implying that the people of Artsakh, subjected to racial discrimination and hatred, cannot live within Azerbaijan.
“I consider this to be a turning point in our international struggle, and together with the Republic of Armenia, we will continue to use all the international legal mechanisms for the protection of the rights of the people of Artsakh. The state bodies of Artsakh have my clear instruction to support these efforts to the maximum extent.”
7:30 p.m.: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its order on the Request for the indication of provisional measures made by Armenia in the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan).
In its Order, which has binding effect, the Court indicates the following provisional measure:
- The Republic of Azerbaijan shall, pending the final decision in the case and in accordance with its obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.
Meanwhile, the Court unanimously rejected the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Azerbaijan on January 4, 2023.
7:21 p.m.: Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova said that since the blockade of the Lachin Corridor began on December 12, the Russian Defense Ministry and the Russian peacekeeping contingent, in cooperation with charitable organizations, have delivered more than 2.5 tons of humanitarian goods to Artsakh. More than 8,000 children and 800 low-income families have received assistance. She also stated that Russia is “making vigorous efforts to resolve the situation around the Lachin Corridor.”
3:30 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement, accusing Azerbaijan of distorting the facts concerning the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor during the Munich Security Conference held on February 18. The statement reads:
“The President of Azerbaijan once again tried to refute the obvious fact of the blockade of Artsakh, which has been recognized by the international community, with the exception of Azerbaijan itself. To prove their claims, the Azerbaijani president cited data on the passage for the entire period of the blockade of 2,500 vehicles of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the evacuation of 100 patients to hospitals in Armenia through the ICRC.
“However, these data prove exactly the opposite of what Baku claims. During the 73 days of the blockade, fewer cars passed through the Lachin Corridor than during three usual days in the pre-blockade period. All vehicles passing through the Lachin Corridor belonged to either the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent or the ICRC. Other vehicles belonging to citizens of the Republic of Artsakh, state structures or carrying out commercial transportation are not able to pass through the Lachin Corridor. Seriously ill patients can only be evacuated to Yerevan through the ICRC, which once again indicates the lack of free passage through the Lachin Corridor.
“Moreover, at the beginning of the blockade, at least one seriously ill patient died due to the impossibility of his urgent transportation to Yerevan for further treatment. The fact that many citizens of the Republic cannot return to Artsakh, and hundreds of separated families are deprived of the opportunity to reunite, is another confirmation of the blockade imposed by Azerbaijan.
“It should also be noted that during a conversation with Azerbaijani journalists following a trilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Azerbaijani president stated about Baku’s proposal to set up a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor. It becomes obvious from his words that Baku had been hatching these plans long before the blockade was imposed. All these facts clearly prove that in addition to creating unbearable living conditions for the people of Artsakh, the blockade is also aimed at revising the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020.
“Thus, Azerbaijan is clearly seeking to legitimize its intention to revise the provisions of the Trilateral Statement. These attempts must be resolutely rejected by all actors involved in the normalization of relations in the region. The full functioning of the Lachin Corridor should be restored in accordance with the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, and without any preconditions.
“Azerbaijan’s attempts to interfere in the internal political life of Artsakh, as well as its vision of a dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku, are also absolutely unacceptable for official Stepanakert. In this regard, we reiterate that a comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict must be achieved through negotiations that will ensure equal footing for the parties and will not contain conditions that prejudge the outcome of the negotiations. In this context, we consider it necessary to restore the international mediation format as an additional guarantee of the irreversibility of the peace process. We once again emphasize that the results of the illegal use or threat of force by Azerbaijan cannot serve as a starting point on the path to peace, stability and security.”
3:03 p.m.: In response to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s proposal to set up checkpoints on the Lachin Corridor and the “Zangezur Corridor”, at a press conference with his counterpart from Luxembourg, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that regulations of the Lachin Corridor have been negotiated and signed in the November 2020 statement and that re-negotiation of the regulations, especially under threat to use force again cannot be an acceptable solution for Armenia.
“An idea has been voiced to set up checkpoints on the border of Armenia and in the section where the Lachin Corridor begins. But our response is unequivocal and very public. This stance has been voiced immediately after the blockade of the Lachin Corridor began, and it remains the same: The regulations of Lachin corridor are negotiated, signed, including by the President of Azerbaijan, I am speaking about the 9 November document. A re-negotiation of the Lachin corridor regulations, moreover as a result of renewed use of force and under the threat to use renewed force, is obviously unacceptable for us and cannot be an acceptable solution,” he said.
February 21, 2023
5:13 p.m.: Édouard Philippe, former Prime Minister of France and Mayor of Le Havre met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during his visit to Armenia. He noted that he had a meeting with Artsakh Armenians in Goris, who are unable to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh due to the closure of the Lachin Corridor. He tweeted that the UN Security Council “must adopt a resolution to compel Azerbaijan to put an end to this tragedy. I hope that France will take the initiative.”
9:22 a.m.: Human Rights Watch (HRW) again calls on Azerbaijani authorities and the Russian peacekeeping force to “ensure the protests” on the Lachin Corridor do not deny “Nagorno-Karabakh residents their rights, including the right of access to health, essential services and goods, and to freedom of movement.” HRW says while Russian peacekeeping and International Committee of the Red Cross trucks can travel the road to deliver essential goods and transport critically ill patients to Armenia, disruption of the Lachin Corridor is “causing a humanitarian crisis as many needs remain unmet.”
February 20, 2023
5:05 p.m.: At a meeting with the newly-appointed Ambassador of the United States, Kristiana A. Kvien, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that Azerbaijan should restore access to the Lachin Corridor “with no preconditions.”
February 19, 2023
6:46 p.m.: Artsakh authorities say public classes will resume in gas-heated public schools on February 20. Classes had been suspended since February 7 due to Azerbaijan’s disruption of the gas supply.
February 18, 2023
7:40 p.m.: At a panel discussion with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid on the South Caucasus in the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan talked about the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh caused by the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. He said Armenia’s position is that keeping the Lachin Corridor open is the duty of Azerbaijan and the Russian peacekeepers. Pashinyan said he believes that “international attention should be focused on this situation” because it may cause “irreversible humanitarian consequences for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
6:40 p.m.: After the meeting with Blinken and Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told Azerbaijani TV channels that the situation on the “Lachin-Khankendi road” was discussed.
He reiterated Azerbaijan’s position that there is no question of a blockade of any kind because more than 2,500 trucks and Red Cross vehicles have passed through the road since December 12, 2022. “If there had been a blockade, how could these vehicles have gotten through?” he insisted.
Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan continues to “rightfully demand” an end to “illegal exploitation” of mines in Artsakh. “Until this is achieved, I am sure that our social activists will not give up their honorable mission,” he said.
He added that Azerbaijan has proposed establishing checkpoints “at both ends of the Zangezur corridor and at the border between Lachin district and Armenia.” He said that he officially proposed that Armenia and Azerbaijan established checkpoints on the Armenian-Azerbaijan border “in a bilateral manner”. He said Azerbaijan had previously proposed the idea “through unofficial channels” and added that Armenia has not voiced a position.
5 p.m.: In a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Munich, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken “underscored the need for free and open commercial and private transit through the Lachin Corridor.”
February 17, 2023
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry reports that two convoys of humanitarian aid were delivered by the Russian peacekeeping mission to Artsakh through the Lachin Corridor.
February 15, 2023
9:43 p.m.: Azerbaijan cut off the gas supply to Artsakh again, after briefly restoring it for a few hours. The NKR InfoCenter informs that gas filling stations will be provided with a very limited volume of gas, after which they will also stop working.
February 14, 2023
12 p.m.: Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that the EU has been closely following the developments along and around the Lachin Corridor and their humanitarian implications since December 2022.
The EU remains “seriously concerned about the distress the ongoing restrictions to freedom of movement and to the supply of vital goods are causing for the local population” and has called on Azerbaijan to “take the measures that are within its jurisdiction to ensure freedom and security of movement along the corridor.” He also highlighted the responsibility of Russia.
February 13, 2023
10:06 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
7:05 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer of 20 people from Armenia to Artsakh, and 23 people in the opposite direction to reunite with their families.
5:15 p.m.: ArtsakhEnergo, the country’s main electricity provider, reports that the overload of the power supply system has led to chains of breakdowns. With the gas supply cut again, snowfall, and lower temperatures, the load on the power supply system has increased significantly, resulting in breakdowns and leaving households with no power for longer than scheduled periods of time.
ArtsakhEnergo is urging users in Stepanakert in particular to save as much energy as possible, warning that serious issues may arise otherwise. The pace at which system breakdowns are increasing will make it impossible to supply electricity even on a rolling schedule.
9:34 a.m.: On the occasion of the second month of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan calls on the international community to go from talks to action. Harutyunyan’s message reads as follows:
“For two months now, Azerbaijan, resorting to criminal and terrorist actions, has been keeping around 120,000 people of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) under blockade, aiming at carrying out ethnic cleansing in Artsakh. This illegal blockade contradicts all the norms of international law and the obligations assumed by Azerbaijan, including those within the framework of the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020.
“The blockade, based on the Azerbaijani state policy of racial hatred against Armenians, is all-encompassing: it deprives 120,000 citizens of Artsakh of natural access to food, energy, healthcare and other vital goods and services, and is, therefore, a serious, deliberate and massive attack on the right to life and other rights of our compatriots.
“Since January 20, in order to solve the acute food shortage caused by the blockade, the Artsakh government has been forced to restrict access to food by introducing coupons: one kilogram of rice, buckwheat, pasta, sugar and vegetable oil per person per month, the scope of which will be increased in the near future.
“Azerbaijan exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh by disrupting the electricity and gas supplies in harsh winter conditions. Due to problems with heating and food, all kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in the country have been closed, depriving about 20,000 children and adolescents of the country of the opportunity to receive education. The work of many economic enterprises has also been suspended, leaving thousands of citizens unemployed. The construction of about 3,700 apartments and houses intended for people forcibly displaced from the territories occupied by Azerbaijan, as well as other construction works, have been halted. Scheduled surgeries in medical institutions have been canceled, jeopardizing the health and lives of around 600 citizens.
“We are grateful to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the RF peacekeeping mission for their efforts to ensure the transfer of about 90 persons in critical health conditions to Armenia, to reunite dozens of separated families and to transport the minimum amount of food to Artsakh that allows us to prevent famine in the country. However, the situation remains unbearable amid severe shortage of food, medicine and other essentials, continuous disruption of gas and electricity supplies, separation of thousands of families, collapse of the economy and other crisis conditions.
“We welcome the clear appeals of the executive and legislative authorities of many countries, as well as international organizations, to Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally lift the blockade. Those demands and positions, however, are ineffective in the conditions of Azerbaijan’s fanatical and hateful intransigence. This is why the international community must act, as it has done in other regions when there are early warning signs of genocide.
“We appeal primarily to Russia, the USA and France, which co-chair the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as to all members of the international community, to jointly or individually take effective measures to open Artsakh’s road of life and prevent new crimes. In that context, we urge them to impose sanctions against all perpetrators and supporters of crimes against the people of Artsakh, and the state of Azerbaijan, among other sanctions, by banning them from entering their own territories and freezing their movable and immovable properties in their countries.
“Azerbaijan’s attempted ethnic cleansing of the people of Artsakh complies with the legal concept of crimes against humanity. Its prevention is a moral, legal and political obligation binding on all signatories of the United Nations Charter. Therefore, it is the duty of every member of the international community to do their best to protect the people of Artsakh and their dignified life in their own homeland.”
February 10, 2023
3:21 p.m.: According to France’s Foreign Ministry, Minister Catherine Colonna and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reviewing efforts under way to resolve the conflict and emphasizing the need for free movement along the Lachin corridor to be immediately restored. “The serious humanitarian consequences of the current deadlock on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are unacceptable, and France and the United States are combining their efforts to end the situation, through their contacts between Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev,” the press release of the French Foreign Ministry says.
February 9, 2023
11 a.m.: During the weekly cabinet meeting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the disruption of gas and electricity supplies have put Artsakh on the verge of an environmental catastrophe, as people have to rely on wood to keep warm. This, according to Pashinyan, will result in deforestation. The Prime Minister added that these actions cast serious doubt over Azerbaijan’s “environmental concerns”, as “Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor has created not only a humanitarian, but also an environmental crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.”
4 a.m.: Amnesty International calls on the Azerbaijani authorities and Russian peacekeepers to “immediately unblock the route and bring an end to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.” Amnesty says the blockade has had a “particularly harsh impact on at-risk groups including women, older people, and people with disabilities.”
Marie Struthers, Amnesty’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said Azerbaijani authorities have an “obligation to undertake to ensure that the population in Nagorno-Karabakh is not denied access to food and other essential goods and medications. For its part, the Russian peacekeeping mission is mandated to ensure the safety of the Lachin corridor. However, both parties are manifestly failing to fulfill their obligations.” Struthers stated that the blockade has resulted in “severe shortages of food and medical supplies, as humanitarian aid delivered by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers has been insufficient to meet demand.”
Artsakh authorities told Amnesty that five to six trucks (exclusively those of the ICRC and the Russian peacekeepers) arrive there on a daily basis now compared to 1,200 a day before the blockade began.
February 8, 2023
9:39 p.m.: In his speech after meeting with his Croatian counterpart, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh is “deteriorating day by day” and “can become a real humanitarian catastrophe.” He applauded “clear calls and exhortations of many big and small states, international organizations and reputable non-governmental organizations” on the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, but stressed that they have not yet “influenced the actions of Azerbaijan.” Mirzoyan called for “clear actions by the international community” and highlighted the importance of deploying an international fact-finding mission to the Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh.
6:22 p.m.: The Russian peacekeepers deployed in Artsakh facilitated the transfer of 25 tons of humanitarian aid to the Stepanakert dairy factory. The aid was sent by the “Armenians, Unite” charity organization.
4 p.m.: Azerbaijan once again cut off the supply of natural gas to Artsakh after having partially restored the supply a mere 12 hours earlier.
2:14 p.m.: The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer of 17 people from Artsakh to Armenia, who had been separated from their families as a result of the blockade.
February 7, 2023
5:25 p.m.: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke about the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan and the ensuing humanitarian crisis during a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock, who called on Azerbaijan and Russia to fulfill their obligations and unblock the Lachin Corridor.
Mirzoyan made the following remarks:
“At this moment, when we speak, the 120,000 Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh live in a total blockade, cut off from the rest of the world. And this has been continuing for two months already. Can you imagine that for two months people are deprived of their fundamental right to free movement?
“Right in front of the eyes of the entire world, Nagorno-Karabakh is facing a humanitarian crisis. Daily gas and electricity cuts in cold winter conditions, families on different sides of the blockade, children deprived of the right to education, malnutrition, human lives in need and not receiving necessary medical intervention.
“All this is a consequence of the fact that Azerbaijan, distorting the global environmental agenda and flagrantly violating its commitments assumed by the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, has blockaded the Lachin corridor, the only lifeline connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to the outside world.
“The blockade of the Lachin corridor, as well as many other preceding aggressive actions of Azerbaijan, including the invasion of the sovereign territory of Armenia by Azerbaijani armed forces and the creation of unbearable conditions for life in Nagorno-Karabakh, pursue one goal: to force the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh to leave their homes, thereby depriving them of the right to live in their homeland. One cannot describe this other than a systematic policy of ethnic cleansing. This is Azerbaijan’s response to the calls of the international community to address the issue of the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
February 6, 2023
11:31 p.m.: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke on the phone with French President Emmanuel Macron. They discussed the “difficult humanitarian situation” in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the blockade. Macron “expressed France’s full solidarity with the Armenian populations who are facing growing humanitarian needs. He also said the priority for him is the restoration of free movement along the Lachin corridor blocked since December 12.”
7:40 p.m.: Azerbaijan cut off Artsakh’s gas supply for the sixth time since the start of the blockade. Artsakh authorities said educational institutions will be shut down temporarily.
February 2, 2023
6 p.m.: In a meeting with Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the sidelines of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says that because of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor a “humanitarian crisis is escalating in Nagorno Karabakh.” Pashinyan added that it is a “very important and sensitive issue in our bilateral relations.”
February 1, 2023
8:10 p.m.: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) tweets: “We are working to ensure the continuity of emergency health and ambulance services along the Lachin Corridor. We have facilitated the safe passage of 60 patients needing urgent medical care. Our teams have also delivered medicine, baby formula, and food to health facilities.”
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry informs that the Russian peacekeepers “escorted a convoy carrying humanitarian aid through the Goris-Stepanakert route.” The Russian side also reports that the command of the peacekeeping mission is continuing negotiations with the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides to restore unhindered transportation through the “Stepanakert-Goris road.”
5:27 p.m.: The British Embassy Yerevan confirms that the UK Government-funded Start Fund has allocated 350,000 British pounds to support those affected by the closure of the Lachin Corridor. Start Fund is administered by the Start Network – a UK charity made up of multiple NGOs to which the UK is a major donor. This funding is being delivered locally through ACTED and People in Need to help address the humanitarian needs of those affected by the closure of the corridor.
January 31, 2023
5:37 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin Corridor was discussed during the meeting. Prime Minister Pashinyan underscored the necessary steps that should be taken by Russia to overcome the crisis. In this context, reference was also made to the activities of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh.
January 30, 2023
11:08 am.: On January 29, the International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer of 19 people from Artsakh to Armenia for reunification.
January 29, 2023
6:30 p.m.: Pope Francis renewed his appeal for the “grave humanitarian situation in the Lachin Corridor in the South Caucasus.” He said: “I am close to all those who, in the dead of winter, are forced to cope with these inhumane conditions. Every effort must be made at the international level to find peaceful solutions for the good of people.”
10:41 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the gas supply has been fully restored in Artsakh. It was completely cut off again the day before. If the gas supply continues uninterrupted schools will resume classes starting January 30.
January 28, 2023
12:04 a.m.: Dunja Mijatovic, Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights tweeted: “The present situation shows once more the importance of ensuring free and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance and international human rights missions to all areas and people, including those residing in Nagorno-Karabakh.” She also called on “the relevant authorities” to “come up with effective and flexible modalities of access enabling all relevant actors, including my Office, to reach out to those in need of humanitarian assistance and human rights protection as a matter of priority.”
January 27, 2023
6 p.m.: 15 children were transferred from Armenia to Artsakh, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The children had come to Armenia to see the Junior Eurovision song contest which took place in Yerevan in the beginning of December. No incidents happened during the transfer.
11:32 a.m.: The Argentinian embassy in Armenia “expressed its concern about the humanitarian situation in the Lachin Corridor and pointed out the need to guarantee the freedom of movement and the human rights of the populations. Argentina stresses the protection of human rights and peaceful settlement of disputes.”
January 26, 2023
8 p.m.: The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) debates the humanitarian consequences of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. Furthermore, in its resolution on the progress of member states under monitoring in 2022, PACE “takes note of the most recent urgent notice of the European Court of Human Rights sent to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe calling for the monitoring of Azerbaijan’s implementation of its decision of 21 December 2022 regarding the Lachin Corridor, and calls for the immediate and full implementation of the interim measures decided by the Court.”
5:08 p.m.: The Foreign & EU Affairs Committee of the Senate of Poland unanimously adopts a resolution calling Azerbaijan to immediately unblock the Lachin Corridor without preconditions and guarantee security and protection of the rights of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
3:07 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the gas supply has been fully restored in Stepanakert. Because Azerbaijan has only partially restored the gas supply to Artsakh, the authorities decided to cut off the gas supply gas for the remaining regions because of high pressure on the energy infrastructure.
1:08 a.m.: Canada’s House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development convened two separate meetings on Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor. For the first time, state representatives of Artsakh were given the opportunity to appear in front of the Canadian Parliament and make the case for Artsakh Armenians.
During the first hearing Artsakh’s Permanent Representative to the U.S. and Canada, Robert Avetisyan and Human Rights Defender, Gegham Stepanyan, presented committee members with facts from the ground related to the grave humanitarian consequences and the geopolitical implications of Azerbaijan’s policy of aggression as well their policy priorities and vision for a free and independent Artsakh. The Armenian National Committee of Canada’s Co-President Shahen Mirakian and Lecturer at Sciences Po, École de l’Air Taline Papazian also gave testimonies during the hearing.
The second meeting of the committee heard from Olesya Vardanyan, Senior South Caucasus Analyst at the International Crisis Group, as well as Professor Christopher Waters, Professor of Law at the University of Windsor. Both witnesses shared grounded information on the ongoing situation in Artsakh, calling for an end to Azerbaijan’s destabilizing efforts and for increased international pressure to find a fair and permanent resolution to the conflict.
January 25, 2023
9:51 p.m.: In Brussels, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan discussed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor with Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, and Magdalena Grono, the Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the European Council.
8:41 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan discussed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in Brussels. Borrell tweeted: “Need to avoid a humanitarian crisis.”
5:48 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the gas supply has been partially restored in Artsakh, as a result of which gas stations started operating again in Stepanakert.
12 p.m.: The UK Parliament held a special discussion dedicated to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and its humanitarian consequences. Tim Loughton, the head of the Armenia-United Kingdom Parliamentary Friendship group pointed out that Azerbaijan “is now clearly intent on waging illegal, immoral and inhumane suffering on the Armenian population of this troubled corner of south-east Europe that borders Asia. That military conflict, and now humanitarian crisis, has gone largely unnoticed and unremarked on by the west—especially western media—and, regretfully, partly by our United Kingdom Government.”
He also noted that many of the so-called environmental protesters have been identified as members of the Azerbaijani military with Government backing. “Some of them are members of the Grey Wolves, an extreme fascist group. They have been brought in by the Azeri state, and their transportation and stay are paid for by the Azeri Government,” Loughton said.
In conclusion he stated that the humanitarian crisis is worsening in Nagorno-Karabakh day-by-day, describing all the hardships that the population of Artsakh is facing.
Other British parliamentarians joined Loughton in condemning Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor asking the UK Government to do all they can to help with their diplomatic levers. Some urged the UK government to use the economic leverage it has on Azerbaijan.
12:57 a.m.: Artsakh’s National Security Service informs that Azerbaijani special services have been disseminating fake documents about the evacuation of the population of Stepanakert. According to the NSS, Azerbaijan is using Facebook to spread disinformation. Artsakh authorities call on the population to remain calm and not to give in to fake news.
January 24, 2023
11:30 p.m.: At a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the United States is concerned that the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is worsening. “Ongoing obstruction of normal commercial and private travel along the Lachin corridor is causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine for the residents who depend on the corridor for those very basic supplies. Periodic disruptions to natural gas and other basic utilities exacerbate the worsening humanitarian situation,” Price said.
He added that the U.S. calls “for the full restoration of free movement through the corridor, including commercial and private travel. We believe we need a solution to this impasse that will ensure the safety and well-being of the population living in the area, and we believe the way forward is, as I said before, through negotiations. We remain committed to supporting a lasting peace.”
10:29 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan addressed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor during a discussion arranged on the request of Armenia at the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament. He made the following remarks:
“At this very moment, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh remain under inhumane siege because of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor – the lifeline, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia.
“There is one aspect that I would like to emphasize: it is not an isolated episode but must be seen as part of a widespread and systematic policy of Azerbaijan aimed at the ethnic cleansing of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. By creating unbearable living conditions, Azerbaijan aims to coerce the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to leave their homes and native land. The recent statement of the President of Azerbaijan suggesting the deportation of those Armenians who do not want to become citizens of Azerbaijan comes to prove once again their intention of ethnic cleansing.
“As the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh is worsening with each passing day, the immediate intervention of the international community is required. As indicated in the EP urgency resolution last week, it is imperative to send an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground, as well as to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for relevant UN bodies.
“We cannot stand by and watch how people are slowly starving to death, because of political games and perhaps geopolitical considerations. Let me put it straight: there are two theoretical options for lifting the blockade of the Lachin corridor: military or diplomatic. Armenia adheres to the second option, but that’s possible only with a decisive intervention and strong pressure on Azerbaijan and tangible actions towards that end by the international community. The time to act is now. Azerbaijan should face consequences for its actions. It should be explained to Azerbaijan that there are certain international rules to which everybody has to abide.”
8 p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry states in its daily communique regarding the activities of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh that a convoy of the Russian peacekeeping contingent with humanitarian cargo was escorted through the Lachin Corridor to Stepanakert.
5:56 p.m.: As a result of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, 100 tons of food donated by the All Armenia Fund as part of the emergency humanitarian support program for Artsakh are currently held up in Goris and cannot be delivered to Stepanakert.
Negotiations are underway with the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces to deliver the humanitarian cargo to Artsakh. If the delivery becomes possible, the food will be distributed free of charge to socially vulnerable groups.
5:43 p.m.: Starting January 25, rolling blackouts will occur in Artsakh three times a day for two hours each time.
2:43 p.m.: Asked whether the Kremlin agreed with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s call on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to immediately unblock the Lachin Corridor, Kremlin spokesperson Dimitry Peskov stated: “Russia, as a party to the trilateral agreements and documents signed two years ago, continues to fulfill its obligations and continues the very painstaking and difficult work with Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
2:07 p.m.: UNFPA issued a statement on the situation in the Lachin Corridor echoing the appeal of the UN Secretary-General for de-escalation of tensions and for ensuring freedom and security of movement along the Lachin corridor, in line with previously reached agreements.
According to the organization, this is critical to ensure that the basic needs of the affected population, including women and girls, young people, people with disabilities and older persons, are met.
“Freedom and security of movement along the corridor are vital for securing continued access to essential sexual and reproductive health supplies and services, and for ensuring that women can give birth safely. UNFPA stands ready to work with all parties, in accordance with humanitarian principles, to ensure women and girls, as well as other vulnerable people, have access to essential supplies and services,” the statement says.
12:23 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that gas stations in Stepanakert and other regions of Artsakh will suspend operations. Natural gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh continues to remain cut off by Azerbaijan. Thanks to the accumulation of gas in the pipelines, in recent days, it has been possible to provide natural gas to healthcare institutions, bakeries, and gas stations.
However, taking into account the queues at gas stations and the limited volume of gas, it was decided that the accumulated gas will now be provided only to healthcare institutions and vital facilities. Gas stations will close until gas supply is restored. In order to ensure the smooth operation of public services and organizations, gasoline or diesel fuel will be provided for the vehicles of the these organizations.
11:04 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter informs that banks in Artsakh will service cards of other banks in Artsakh without charging a commission, and in case it is technically impossible, the commission charged will be returned to the cardholder the day after the transaction.
January 23, 2023
10:59 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, on a working visit in Brussels, had a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Mirzoyan briefed him on the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the blockade. He emphasized the importance of the international community’s clear actions towards ending the inhumane blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh and bringing the Azerbaijani side back to the negotiating table.
8:52 p.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke on the phone with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to “urge an immediate reopening of the Lachin corridor to commercial traffic.” Blinken underscored that the risk of a humanitarian crisis in the Lachin corridor undermined prospects for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He encouraged President Aliyev to redouble efforts in bilateral peace discussions with Armenia. He also raised human rights concerns in Azerbaijan.
4:35 p.m.: OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on South Caucasus urges resumption of dialogue to address the situation on the Lachin Corridor. The press office of the OSCE PA issued the following statement:
“Alarmed by the ongoing developments in the Lachin corridor, Vice-President Pere Joan Pons (Spain), OSCE PA Special Representative on South Caucasus, expressed concern over the humanitarian impact on the lives of local Armenian residents in the region and calls for the resumption of a constructive dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“I have been closely following the reports regarding ongoing developments surrounding the Lachin corridor and I am highly concerned over the reported impact on the daily lives of the local residents in the area, as the access to essential goods and services has been limited now for several weeks. While I commend the efforts, particularly of the ICRC, in alleviating the effects of the ongoing protest on the Lachin road, I appeal to all sides to intensify their efforts in ensuring that the situation is addressed in a swift manner,” Pons said.
Vice-President Pons also echoed OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani in his call upon all sides to ease tensions and engage in a constructive and productive dialogue, aimed at building trust and normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“Whenever political disagreements persist and negotiations might be at a deadlock, our governments should not be callous and resort to methods that leave our citizens victim to our inability to reach political consensus,” Pons stressed. “We should also remember that the longer this dispute remains unresolved, that it does not just negatively impact the fragile peace process, but also undermines the foundation for a future peaceful coexistence in the region.”
The Special Representative recalled that with the OSCE, the tools to overcome the current crisis are available, yet it is up to the sides to make a full use of them, as well as to other governments and parliaments, to support this process in an unbiased manner and ensure the advancement of constructive negotiations, based on the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly stands ready to support this process, Pons underlined, wherever needed and deemed useful.”
11:14 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter informs that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) transferred another four patients from Stepanakert to medical institutions in Armenia.
2:17 a.m.: Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, visits Yerevan for meetings. He tweeted: “The situation around the Lachin corridor is serious and solutions have to urgently be found. I look forward to discussions to explore ways forward. The EUs goal remains a comprehensive Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement.”
January 21, 2023
9:55 p.m.: Azerbaijan again cut off the gas supply to Artsakh after partial restoration yesterday.
January 20, 2023
2:40 p.m.: Artsakh authorities report that Azerbaijan has partially restored the supply of natural gas to Artsakh, but due to low pressure, it will be supplied with some limitations.
January 19, 2023
9:44 p.m.: Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra spoke on the phone with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts. He expressed concern about the humanitarian situation around the Lachin Corridor and “asked Azerbaijan to allow free movement on this road.” He called for the return to the negotiating table. The Netherlands supports the EU mediation process led by Charles Michel.
In his turn, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan “highlighted the importance of the targeted statement of the Government of the Netherlands regarding the full restoration of free movement through the Lachin Corridor.” While Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov “refuted baseless allegations on so-called blockade & emphasized that there is no impediment for safe movement of citizens and vehicles.”
3:26 p.m.: The European Parliament adopted a resolution entitled the “Humanitarian Consequences of the Blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh”.
1:52 p.m.: Iceland’s Foreign Minister and President of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, has made the following statement: “I am concerned about the increasingly precarious humanitarian situation of people living in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the month-long blockade of the Lachin corridor. I call on the relevant authorities to quickly restore freedom of movement along the corridor to avoid further deterioration of the situation. I call on all stakeholders to resolve their concerns through dialogue and remain ready to contribute to their efforts in this regard.”
12:37 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of another two patients from Stepanakert to medical institutions in Armenia. Since the blockade of the Lachin Corridor started on December 12, 36 patients have been transferred from Artsakh to Armenia.
11:03 a.m.: The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Canadian parliament unanimously adopted a motion, calling for a maximum of three meetings on the blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. Artsakh’s Representative in the U.S. and Canada Robert Avetisyan and Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan will be invited to participate in the hearing and to speak in front of the Canadian Parliament. The representatives of Artsakh are to be invited to speak by February 3.
January 18, 2023
10:52 p.m.: Javier Colomina, the NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs & Security Policy and Special Representative for the Caucasus & Central Asia, met with Prime Minister Pashinyan, Foreign Minister Mirzoyan, Defense Minister Papikyan, and Security Council secretary Grigoryan. He said they discussed NATO cooperation, regional security, and concerns about the situation on the Lachin Corridor. “It is key to guarantee free movement, address humanitarian issues, and resume talks,” he tweeted.
10:26 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that starting January 19 state institutions in Artsakh will switch to remote work to save energy. Only those employees who cannot perform their duties from home will work from their offices.
10:20 p.m.: A number of U.S. congressmen sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power urging the American Government to use maximum pressure on Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to end his month-long blockade of the 120,000 people in Artsakh (Nagorno- Karabakh).
The letter reads as follows:
“The Lachin Corridor should be opened for unimpeded movement before the current humanitarian crisis becomes catastrophic. If the United States and our international partners fail to act immediately, there is no doubt that President Aliyev will continue to escalate his deadly aggressions against the Armenian people in Artsakh.
This is a man-made humanitarian crisis. In recent days, Azerbaijan has taken dangerous steps that prove the current deterrence strategy used by the United States and others in the international community is wholly insufficient. Reports from this week indicate that Azerbaijan sabotaged and continues preventing the repair of a high-voltage power transmission line that provides much of the Republic’s energy. This has caused rolling blackouts and electricity rationing. Further reports indicate that Azerbaijan has also cut the fiber-optic cable that provides most of the fixed-line internet to the region.These escalatory actions are taking place under the guise of an environmental protest.
However, this is clearly a deliberate attempt to severely worsen the quality of life for the people living in Artsakh, including 30,000 children, 20,000 elderly and 9,000 people with disabilities. Children and adult patients, many in critical medical condition, suffer in local hospitals from the lack of access to required medical supplies and services outside of the Republic. Individuals have died as a result. Additionally, a shortage of food and other necessary essentials has resulted in the closure of 120 schools and other educational institutions throughout the region.
We fear these actions and the lack of civilian access to water, food, and medical care caused by the blockade is a precursor to even worse human rights abuses. A recent report from the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention shares our deep concerns about the deteriorating quality of life and what it might mean for the future.
The current international strategy to reopen the Lachin Corridor is simply not working. Despite clearly documented evidence of the blockade and the tragic impact it is having on innocent civilians, President Aliyev continues to lie to the United States and the international community by stating that there is no blockade. Alarmingly, Aliyev has also stated that the road is open to leave for all those in Artsakh who do not want to become Azerbaijani citizens. The Aliyev regime is taking premeditated steps to remove the indigenous Armenian population from Artsakh and deprive them of the opportunity to live freely, democratically, and with dignity in the land of their ancestors – a clear sign of ethnic cleansing that must not be ignored. Meanwhile, the Russian peacekeepers stationed in the region have done little to disperse the Azerbaijanis blocking the corridor or deescalate the situation.
We appreciate the statements coming from the State Department and USAID and the efforts of our diplomats, in line with the U.S. Co-Chairmanship in the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as our commitment to protect and advance global human rights and democracy. Yet, the Aliyev regime’s blatant disregard for these calls to immediately reopen the corridor is deeply concerning and demonstrates the need to urgently increase international pressure.
Without immediate action by the United States, there is little doubt that conditions in Artsakh will further deteriorate – Aliyev’s deliberate and planned design. The people of Artsakh need the international community to immediately intervene and avert this potential humanitarian catastrophe. We urge you to work swiftly with our partners, including authorities in Artsakh, and use whatever diplomatic tools necessary to compel Azerbaijan to reopen this vital lifeline, as well as send international observers to the Lachin Corridor and Artsakh to explore opportunities for more effective and sustainable guarantees of security and peaceful development for the people of Artsakh. The United States must also consider all available options to provide humanitarian aid to Artsakh, including a potential airlift of supplies to prevent the very real threat of starvation.
Additionally, we believe that the threat of sanctions such as Magnitsky Sanctions against the authorities behind this blockade are warranted and appropriate given the grave threat the people of Artsakh are currently facing.”
9:48 p.m.: During a phone conversation with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. He also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support efforts toward a lasting peace in the region.
9:33 p.m.: The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2022, which “strongly condemns” the Azerbaijani aggression of September 2022 and reiterated that the territorial integrity of Armenia must be fully respected and called on Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from all parts of the territory of Armenia and to release the prisoners of war under their control.
The parliament also adopted a an amendment submitted to the resolution, in which it “strongly denounces Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, in violation of the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020, as it threatens to precipitate an intentional humanitarian crisis for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh; demands that the Azerbaijani authorities restore freedom of movement through the Lachin corridor with immediate effect.”
9:30 p.m.: The European Parliament presented a motion for a resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh which will be voted on January 19, 2023.
The text of the resolution reads as follows:
A. whereas the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outside world, the Lachin corridor, has been blocked by self-proclaimed environmentalists from Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022; whereas this has disrupted access to essential goods and services, including food, fuel and medication, for the 120 000 Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh, effectively placing them under a blockade;
B. whereas the blockade has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, significantly affecting the most vulnerable populations; whereas the transfer of critically ill patients is nearly impossible, with one death resulting from this situation; whereas hundreds of families remain separated;
C. whereas this humanitarian crisis was further aggravated by Azerbaijan’s disruption of the natural gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh, which left houses, hospitals and schools without heating;
D. whereas by sustaining the blockade of the Lachin corridor, Azerbaijan is breaching its international obligations under the trilateral ceasefire statement of 9 November 2020, under which Azerbaijan must guarantee the security of persons, vehicles and cargo moving along the corridor in both directions;
E. whereas the impediments to the use of the Lachin corridor set back the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and undermine international confidence;
- Deplores the tragic humanitarian consequences of the blockade of the Lachin corridor and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict;
- Urges Azerbaijan to respect and implement the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020 and immediately reopen the Lachin corridor to enable free movement and ensure access to essential goods and services, thus guaranteeing security in the region and safeguarding residents’ livelihoods;
- Underlines the need for a comprehensive peace agreement, which must guarantee the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population; calls on Azerbaijan to protect the rights of Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh and refrain from its inflammatory rhetoric that calls for discrimination against Armenians and urges Armenians to leave Nagorno-Karabakh;
- Urges Azerbaijan to refrain from undermining the functioning of transport, energy and communication connections between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh in future;
- Strongly condemns Azerbaijan’s scapegoating of human rights defenders and CSOs and calls on EU and Member State representations to support their work;
- Condemns the inaction of Russian “peacekeepers”; considers that their replacement with OSCE international peacekeepers, under a UN mandate, should be negotiated urgently;
- Calls for international organizations to be granted unimpeded access to Nagorno-Karabakh to assess the situation and provide the necessary humanitarian assistance;
- Calls for a UN or OSCE fact-finding mission to the Lachin corridor to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground;
- Calls for the urgent resumption, without preconditions, of negotiations based on the principles of the Helsinki Final Act;
- Calls for the EU to be actively involved and ensure that the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh are no longer held hostage by Baku’s activism, Russia’s destructive role and the Minsk Group’s inactivity;
- Instructs its President to forward this resolution to Armenia, Azerbaijan and international institutions.
9:18 p.m.: Ned Price, the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department said during a press briefing that there have been setbacks when it comes to Nagorno-Karabakh. He added that Washington wants to see constructive dialogue put back on track and stands ready to engage bilaterally, with and through partners, through the OSCE or, if and when appropriate, trilaterally, as we have done in the past.
8 p.m.: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk calls for “free & safe movement through the Lachin Corridor to be immediately & fully enabled. Unrestricted access to food, medicine & other basic goods and services is essential to the enjoyment of human rights by the affected population.”
7:40 p.m.: The International Disability Alliance issued the following statement regarding the blockade of the Lachin Corridor:
We, the organizations working to advance the human rights of persons with disabilities, are following with concern the humanitarian situation caused by the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the lifeline road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia.
The closure of the corridor has led to a series of human rights violations as well as denial of humanitarian access that has a disproportionately negative impact on persons with disabilities.
As a result of the blockade, around 120,000 people, including more than 9,000 persons with disabilities face grave human rights violations. This includes the denial of their freedom of movement as about 1,100 people cannot return to their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh, including 270 children separated from their parents.
Children’s right to inclusive education has been disrupted because kindergartens and preschools have been closed due to the insecurity of food supply.
Due to the closure of the road, access to essential goods and services in the region has become impossible. Shops are mostly empty, and medicine, including for children and persons with long-term medical conditions, are largely unavailable. There are reports of children being given adult medicines due to these shortages.
The situation is particularly challenging for persons with disabilities living in residential institutions because the issue of access to medicine is getting worse from day to day and food supplies are especially limited for people who have special dietary requirements.
People in need of urgent medical assistance, whose treatment cannot be organized in Nagorno-Karabakh, can be transferred to Armenia, but only with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
We call on all parties to fulfill all their obligations according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Security Council Resolution 2475. The Government of Azerbaijan and the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation must immediately unblock the Lachin Corridor in accordance with paragraph 6 of the November 9, 2020, Trilateral Statement. We call for the unimpeded humanitarian access as well as freedom of movement along the Lachin Corridor, in both directions, for all civilians, to ensure safe, timely and unlimited humanitarian assistance for all.
6:18 p.m.: During a Security Council Session Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan informed the council that on January 15 the Russian side had facilitated a meeting between the Artsakh authorities and the Azerbaijani side to discuss the resolution of the situation on the Lachin Corridor. According to Harutyunyan, there was no progress in talks regarding the unblocking of the corridor. Instead, the president stated that as a result of the gas supply disruption on January 17 Artsakh is facing new serious challenges.
6:11 p.m.: The Parliament of Artsakh issued a statement calling on Armenia and Azerbaijan to “urgent measures to unblock Artsakh and prevent a humanitarian disaster.” The Artsakh parliament also urges international structures and the UN member states “to prevent the genocidal actions of Azerbaijan with practical steps in addition to statements and calls.”
5:37 p.m.: Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told parliament that Armenia has sent Azerbaijan its proposal regarding the prospective peace treaty and is waiting for their response. In response, an Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that Azerbaijan is ready to sign a peace agreement based on the five basic principles and hold the next negotiating meeting as soon as possible. He said Armenia “disrupted the negotiation process” by not participating in the December 23, 2022 meeting in Moscow of foreign ministers.
Mirzoyan also stated the UN Security Council did not adopt a statement on the Lachin Corridor in late December because of the stance of some countries, including “friendly countries”, but discussions continue there.
5:07 p.m.: At a Q&A session in parliament, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the international community acknowledges that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and Azerbaijan’s aggressive statements create new obstacles for the peace process. “But, who said that this itself isn’t what Azerbaijan wants? Who says that this itself isn’t Azerbaijan’s long-term goal, to entirely derail the peace process with those kinds of provocative statements and by using our possible reactions,” he said. Pashinyan stated that Armenia’s reaction must be asymmetric, meaning active international diplomacy and further empowerment of domestic institutional capacity and state institutions, maintaining the reforms agenda and the peace agenda.
3:54 p.m.: Speaking at a press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Lachin Corridor must be open in both ways for people and goods. He added that Azerbaijan has provided information that the Armenian side has allegedly transported landmines and mined the territory near the Azerbaijani positions. “We are looking into the information,” he said.
He said Russia has proposed that Russian peacekeepers have the authority to control traffic along the corridor and have the “opportunity to check vehicles for prohibited non-humanitarian, non-civilian goods,” Lavrov said. He also noted that a meeting between Azerbaijani and Karabakh representatives has taken place with Russian mediation. “I think that the issue [on the Lachin corridor] will be resolved in the near future,” he said.
3:18 p.m.: Javier Colomina, the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, on a visit to Armenia, met with Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Besides discussing Armenia-NATO cooperation, they discussed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Colomina “expressed concern about the situation caused by the blocking of the Lachin Corridor and emphasized the importance of ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the corridor” and added that NATO is “interested in ensuring stability and peace in the region and expresses support for the efforts made by international partners in this direction.”
10:37 a.m.: In a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg called on Azerbaijan to reopen the Lachin Corridor and ensure freedom of movement.
10:27 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that another six patients were transferred to medical institutions in Armenia. They were accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
9:36 a.m.: The gas supply in Artsakh was cut off again. It was briefly restored yesterday evening. Artsakhgas informs that at the moment the gas remaining in the pipes is being used.
12:26 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter informs that 19 children, stranded in Armenia since the December 12 blockade, returned home via the Goris-Stepanakert road. The children were accompanied from Goris to Stepanakert by the Russian peacekeeping troops.
The car was stopped by Azerbaijanis in the Shushi-Karin Tak section of the highway where the so-called Azerbaijani eco-activists are gathered. Then, 10-15 Azerbaijanis with face masks on, cameras in hand, and in civilian clothes approached the car. Some of them rushed into the vehicle and filmed the children in the car.
As a result of the provocative actions of the Azerbaijanis, there was a commotion in the car, after which one of the children fainted. The Russian peacekeepers removed the Azerbaijanis from the car, and the vehicle continued its journey. Then, while the vehicles carrying the children were passing through the blocked section of the road, the Azerbaijanis demonstratively shouted in their direction.
January 17, 2023
7:58 p.m.: Russian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Sergei Lavrov and Jeyhun Bayramov spoke on the phone. For the first time, Lavrov called on Azerbaijan to unblock the Lachin Corridor. “The Russian side stressed the need for the soonest complete unblocking of traffic along the Lachin Corridor in accordance with the parameters set out in the tripartite high-level statement of November 9, 2020,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “The importance of reaching mutually acceptable decisions on all related issues was also emphasized in order to resume comprehensive work on the key tracks of Azerbaijan-Armenian normalization on the basis of agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.”
In its press release, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said Bayramov stressed the “legitimate right of Azerbaijani citizens to protest against illegal economic activities, including the exploitation of natural resources and abuse of the Lachin road, in the territories of Azerbaijan where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is stationed.” Bayramov pointed out that “it is necessary to fulfill the rightful demands of the protesters.”
He denied once again that Artsakh is blockaded, insisting that dozens of vehicles of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the International Red Cross Committee, and Armenian ambulances pass through the road every day, “which refutes the baseless claims of the Armenian side.”
4:04 p.m.: The Speaker of Armenia’s Parliament Alen Simonyan sent an official letter to the heads of parliaments of over 30 countries and the presidents of international parliamentary organizations briefing them on the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor. The letter draws attention to the worsening humanitarian situation in Artsakh, the shortages of food and medical supplies as well as the disruption of electricity supply.
The letter also calls on Armenia’s international partners to take additional efforts to prevent the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Artsakh, including applying sanctions against Azerbaijan.
3:30 p.m.: A special session of the OSCE Permanent Council was convened in Vienna at Armenia’s initiative to discuss the situation in the region and, particularly, the blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
In his remarks, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that after the 2020 Artsakh War, Azerbaijan, “instead of engaging in good faith into the negotiations, continues its destructive policy,” including two instances of aggression against Armenia in May and November 2021 and September 2022, which resulted in the occupation of 150 sq km of the sovereign territory of Armenia. Mirzoyan said that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor has “created a humanitarian crisis with far going intentions.” He said that for more than a month, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh “remain under an actual siege” and there is a “severe shortage of all essential goods” there.
Mirzoyan said the humanitarian crisis is “worsening with each passing day and requires the immediate and targeted intervention of the international community. We cannot stand by and watch how people are slowly starving to death, because of political games and perhaps geopolitical considerations. The time to act is now.”
Mirzoyan called for more pressure on Azerbaijan “for it to comply with its own commitments. Azerbaijan should face consequences for its actions.” He said Azerbaijan aims to “coerce the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to leave their native land and leave their homes.” He mentioned Aliyev’s recent statement suggesting the deportation of those Armenians who do not want to become citizens of Azerbaijan, which “comes to prove their intention of ethnic cleansing.”
The Minister also called for the deployment of an “international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground, as well as to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for relevant UN bodies.”
The Foreign Minister said Armenia “rule[s] out any exterritorial corridor on the territory of the Republic of Armenia and will not provide any corridor to anyone. This is a principled and irrevocable position.”
Mirzoyan added that Armenia has suggested creating an international mechanism for dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku. The blockade of the corridor “proves once again the absolute necessity of international engagement to address the issues of rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.” He also mentioned the OSCE Minsk Group, that despite all the challenges, “still has a responsibility as the political resolution of the conflict is yet to be achieved.” Mirzoyan concluded by saying that the OSCE “can play an instrumental role not merely in achieving but also sustaining peace through the involvement of its structures.”
The US representative at the OSCE, Michael Carpenter, welcomed and thanked Mirzoyan for his assessment of the “grave security situation in the region.” He said the U.S. is “gravely concerned that the Lachin corridor has now been obstructed for more than 30 days, creating critical shortages of food, medicine, and other supplies in Nagorno-Karabakh. These facts are indisputable. We call on Azerbaijan and Russia to restore unhindered transit immediately in keeping with prior commitments, which clearly include guarantees, as you have quoted, for the ‘security of persons, vehicles and cargo moving along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.’”
Carpenter said the blockade “could have severe humanitarian consequences for the people living in Nagorno-Karabakh” and thanked the ICRC for “providing critical aid” and called on Azerbaijan to “ensure the individual rights, safety, and well-being of the population living in this area are respected. All OSCE participating States have an obligation to protect the safety of persons on their territory without regard to ethnicity.”
Carpenter said he looks forward to a “substantive discussion” on the recommendations of the OSCE Needs Assessment Team. He said the U.S. calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to “reengage in meaningful negotiations to resolve their disputes. A comprehensive peace agreement is the only true path to long-lasting peace based on normalization of relations and mutual recognition.”
The French representative to the OSCE reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of freedom and security of movement through the Lachin Corridor.
The EU also thanked Mirzoyan for his address and reiterated its continued support to Armenia and its citizens. The EU statement, which was endorsed by several non-EU states (North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Iceland, Norway), reiterated “its call on the Azerbaijani authorities to fully restore freedom and security of movement along the corridor, in line with the commitments deriving from the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020.”
The EU said that restrictions to such freedom of movement are causing “significant distress among the local population” and that it is “increasingly alarmed about the negative humanitarian impact resulting from the lack of food, medicine and other essential goods and medical services, in addition to disruptions to energy supplies and telecommunications. The situation is not sustainable and creates tensions that run contrary to much-needed confidence-building efforts.”
The UK representative said the “ongoing disruptions to the Lachin Corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences are deeply worrying” and urged the government of Azerbaijan to “take all measures to allow for the unhindered movement of humanitarian goods and civilians.” The UK said it regrets that “despite this issue being raised here at the OSCE and the United Nations Security Council, significant progress has not been made.”
The Azerbaijani representative repeated their main talking points, such as that “Nagorno-Karabakh” is a “fictitious entity set up by Armenia” and that Armenia has not fully withdrawn its armed forces from and “continues a variety of military activities” in the “territories of Azerbaijan”. Azerbaijan claims Armenia continues the “illegal transfer of weapons and personnel to the territory of Azerbaijan through the Lachin road.” He reiterated Azerbaijan’s position that it will “not engage with such individuals as Ruben Vardanyan with dubious a record, who was implanted into the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to derail the fragile peace-building process.”
Azerbaijan claims the Lachin Corridor is “being misused by Armenia not only for unlawful military activities but also for the trafficking of natural resources from the territories of Azerbaijan to Armenia.” He again insisted that Azerbaijan has not put any restriction on the traffic along the corridor. “Nor did the protesters declare an intention to block the traffic along the road. The news reports and videos disseminated through social media testify to the unhindered passage of the various kinds of vehicles along the road, including civilian and emergency vehicles and those of the ICRC,” he said.
Azerbaijan also denied reports about the humanitarian consequences of the blockade. “This is nothing other than another manifestation of reckless manipulation by Armenia of the situation for obvious malign political purposes. There is no impediment whatsoever as to the supply of goods for the use of local residents or in terms of delivery of essential medical services,” he claimed. He said Azerbaijan is ready to “address any humanitarian concern of our citizens of Armenian origin on the ground.” He stated that 644 vehicles of the Russian peacekeepers and the ICRC and local Armenian residents have passed in both directions of the corridor “without any impediment.” He said between January 5 – 15, around 30 vehicles, mostly trucks, have passed through, carrying foodstuff and medical supplies to Stepanakert.
The Azerbaijani representative said the “sooner the legitimate concerns of Azerbaijani authorities and the general public with regard to abuse of the road for unlawful exploitation of resources and for military purposes will be addressed, the sooner the present situation will be resolved.” He also dismissed the Minsk Group, calling it an “obsolete structure” that has been “totally dysfunctional for the last two years.”
The Russian representative at the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said that the “deteriorating humanitarian situation” in Artsakh “causes serious concern” and added that the population of Nagorno-Karabakh “should not become a hostage to political disagreements between Baku and Yerevan.”
He added that the corridor “should remain under the control of the Russian peacekeepers and be used only for the purposes outlined” in the November 2020 tripartite statement. “We call on our Azerbaijani and Armenian partners to demonstrate goodwill and jointly look for mutually acceptable compromises in order to resolve the situation around the Lachin Corridor as soon as possible, agree on the parameters for the development of ore deposits and resolve problems with the supply of electricity,” he said.
He stressed that Russia is taking “all possible measures”, including at the political level and the “on the ground”, to de-escalate tensions and resolve the situation.
Lukashevich said a “sustainable and long-term” solution is possible only through “strict observance of all the provisions of the tripartite agreements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.” He called “provocative actions and public attacks against Russian peacekeepers” unacceptable and damaging to Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization.
3:10 p.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan announced that the Artsakh authorities and the Russian peacekeeping mission arranged the transfer of foreigners, who were trapped in Artsakh because of the blockade, back to their countries. He added that the blockade continues for the 120,000 residents of Artsakh, among them 30,000 children.
1:09 p.m.: Mesrop Arakelyan, the adviser to Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, reported that the gas supply has been cut off in Artsakh again.
1:10 a.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke on the phone with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Mirzoyan briefed Guterres on the details of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, particularly stressing the “need for a targeted response and efficient steps by international institutions, particularly, the United Nations.” Mirzoyan “highlighted the importance of sending a fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and Lachin Corridor, as well as ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for relevant UN bodies.”
January 16, 2023
8:20 p.m.: The Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters informs that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) sent an urgent notice to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to monitor the implementation of the interim measure indicated to Azerbaijan at the request of Armenia on December 21, 2022 on reopening of the Lachin Corridor.
The ECHR rejected Azerbaijan’s request on interim measures against Armenia and the December 21 decision remains in force.
The Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters had been providing the ECHR with updated information on the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh over the Lachin Corridor and had requested the court to immediately notify the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Azerbaijan’s failure to implement the decision.
The ECHR examined the arguments from both parties and completely rejected Azerbaijan’s requests.
4:44 p.m.: Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan addressed parliament, stressing the need for unity. He dismissed speculations of a political crisis in Artsakh and added that “there is a clear understanding that our main agenda is to overcome the urgent issues and recover Artsakh from this situation.” Yesterday, Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan stated that he is not going to resign. “The possible resignation of the President or the dissolvement of the Parliament are also unacceptable. We must convene all our efforts to overcome this horrible situation. We must preserve Artsakh and we have that chance today!” he tweeted.
4:04 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the Artsakh authorities decided to switch to four hour rolling blackouts instead of two hours starting January 17 given the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
12:54 p.m.: Artsakh authorities report that 14 infants and nine adults are in intensive care units. Since the blockade, 132 babies have been born; about 400 people have not undergone scheduled surgeries; 28 patients have been transferred from Artsakh to Armenia by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to receive treatment.
The authorities say that 726 or more than one in six (17.7%) of all businesses in Artsakh have ceased operations under the blockade. At least 3,400 people have lost their jobs and source of income. More than 14,000 tons of vital goods would have been delivered to Artsakh if it were not for the blockade, during which only a small portion was delivered by the ICRC and the Russian peacekeepers.
January 15, 2023
7:20 p.m.: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) informed Armenpress that the organization transferred medical supplies to health institutions in Artsakh. The medical supplies were provided by Armenia’s Health Ministry.
12:42 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter informs that four patients were transferred from Stepanakert to hospitals in Armenia. They were accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
January 14, 2023
1:14 p.m.: Five patients were transferred from Stepanakert to medical institutions in Armenia through the mediation and support of the ICRC, the NKR InfoCenter reports.
1:02 a.m.: Freedom House again called on Azerbaijan to immediately end the blockade. In a tweet it stated that Azerbaijan’s month-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor is creating a humanitarian crisis within Nagorno-Karabakh as vital supplies dwindle.
The organization also called on the international community to support the lifting of the blockade and a return to negotiations without coercion, adding that the rights, security, and well-being of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh must be ensured.
January 13, 2023
8:15 p.m.: The Human Rights Defenders of Armenia and Artsakh published an updated ad hoc report on the humanitarian consequences of blocking the Lachin Corridor. In the report, the Defenders referred to the reaction of international organizations, officials, and media to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the provocative statements by high-ranking Azerbaijani officials and public figures, the continuous signs of ethnic cleansing demonstrated by Azerbaijan, the humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade, new data substantiating the fake nature of the “eco-activists” protest action, as well as to the direct connections of the persons who blocked the road with the government of Azerbaijan.
The report also referred to the rights to freedom of movement, an adequate standard of living, food, and health care of the population, as well as violations of children’s rights. The Human Rights Defenders concluded that deploying an international fact-finding mission is necessary, inter alia, to prevent the most far-reaching steps of the Azerbaijani policy of ethnic cleansing. The report will be presented to organizations and actors with an international human rights mandate.
7:21 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the internet connection was restored in the territory of Artsakh. Through the mediation of the Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in Artsakh the technical staff of Karabakh Telecom (the internet provider in Artsakh) managed to visit the area where the cable was damaged and repair it.
January 12, 2023
5:44 p.m.: Alen Simonyan, speaker of Armenia’s parliament, said that Armenia should not be involved in talks regarding the unblocking of the Lachin Corridor since Armenia is a party in regards to the corridor according to the tripartite statement of November 2020. He said that the authorities of Artsakh “have the opportunity to directly negotiate and speak directly with Azerbaijan” and that Armenia will support every decision of Artsakh. Simonyan argued that Azerbaijan aims to engage Armenia in the talks to force an extraterritorial corridor through the territory of Armenia.
5:19 p.m.: In a briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova said that Armenia “missed a good opportunity” to hold talks with Azerbaijan on December 23, 2022 in Moscow and use it to discuss important issues such as the situation in the Lachin Corridor. She said Russia continues to work toward the “complete unblocking” of the corridor in accordance with the tripartite statement of November 2020. “Consistent steps to de-escalate the situation” are being taken by Russia’s Defense and Interior ministries and the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. “We must identify a solution that all parties will find acceptable,” she said, adding that “humanitarian convoys are using the corridor now.”
She also reiterated earlier statements by Russia’s deputy representative at the UN, that Russia’s suggestions were overwhelmingly ignored by France which drafted a statement at the UN Security Council in late December. “Despite our constructive approach, the French authors of the document ignored the overwhelming majority of Russian proposals. Our Western colleagues failed to muster the courage to even state the facts in the text and, in particular, to mention the [tripatriate] statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.”
4:51 p.m.: Internet connection has been cut off in Artsakh. According to Artsakh’s internet provider the cable was damaged at the spot where the so-called environmental activists have blocked the Lachin Corridor.
3 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke on the phone with Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, who called on Azerbaijan to ensure free and safe movement along the Lachin Corridor.
2 p.m.: The presence of the Russian peacekeeping contingent is one of the main guarantees that is restraining the Turkish-Azeri tandem from completing their plans on depopulating Artsakh, the Foreign Minister of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan said during a Stepanakert-Yerevan teleconference dedicated to the one month blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
Ghazaryan also stated that one of the main goals the Azerbaijani side was pursuing was to incite a wave of discontent among the Armenian population against the Russian peacekeepers. Azerbaijan is trying to discredit the activities of Russian peacekeepers by all means.
The Foreign Minister of Artsakh said that in this given situation the role of the Russian peacekeepers is becoming more important because Azerbaijan is impeding food and medicine supply into Artsakh by all means, but the Russian peacekeepers must be involved in order for essential products to be brought in.
2 p.m.: The presence of the Russian peacekeeping contingent is one of the main guarantees that is restraining the Turkish-Azeri tandem from completing their plans on depopulating Artsakh, the Foreign Minister of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan said during a Stepanakert-Yerevan teleconference dedicated to the one month blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
Ghazaryan also stated that one of the main goals the Azerbaijani side was pursuing was to incite a wave of discontent among the Armenian population against the Russian peacekeepers. Azerbaijan is trying to discredit the activities of Russian peacekeepers by all means.
The Foreign Minister of Artsakh said that in this given situation the role of the Russian peacekeepers is becoming more important because Azerbaijan is impeding food and medicine supply into Artsakh by all means, but the Russian peacekeepers must be involved in order for essential products to be brought in.
During the teleconference Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan said that the struggle of the people of Artsakh is not against the blockade, but rather a struggle for their right to live on their land, in their homeland, with their laws, their values, and they must not obey the terms of others.
11 a.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about the possible resolution of the situation on the Lachin Corridor during the cabinet meeting. He said that the developments of recent years, their deeper meanings and reasons should be faced in a way that the assessments of events and situations by the Armenian side should be fact-based. Pashinyan went on to say that political statements which drive the situation further into a deadlock should be avoided, because statements that are not accompanied by clear ideas of reaching the end goal are of no use. According to the Prime Minister a political dialogue between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan should begin, and the authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh should not give anyone the opportunity to accuse them of disrupting a constructive dialogue or making such a dialogue impossible.
Pashinyan also stated that the closure of the Lachin Corridor is a provocation, the ultimate goal of which is a new military escalation, thus steps should not be taken that are desirable for those developing the military escalation scenario. He added that one of the goals of this provocation and escalation is to hide the obvious need for political and official dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert and push it off the agenda and that actions should not be taken that contribute to this provocative task.
11 a.m.: Zara Amatuni, the Communications Manager of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Armenia told Armenpress, that the organization facilitated the transfer of three patients requiring urgent medical treatment from Artsakh to Armenia.
January 11, 2023
7:54 p.m.: Amnesty International weighed in on the situation in the Lachin Corridor. In a tweet the human rights watchdog stated: “Azerbaijan must end the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, which has left residents of Nagorno-Karabakh without access to essential goods and services. Freedom of movement and protection of economic and social rights for those affected must be ensured.”
4:48 p.m.: UK ambassador to Armenia John Gallagher denies that the UK blocked the UN Security Council press statement on the Lachin Corridor in late December. “I want to emphasize that the UK did not coordinate with Russia, Albania and the UAE on this, and can confirm that the UK did not block the UNSC press statement,” Gallagher told Armenpress.
“We are extremely concerned about the humanitarian impact the closure of the road is causing and we have repeatedly called for it to be reopened. We worked in good faith through several rounds of negotiations to agree on a text but unfortunately it was not possible to construct a statement that was acceptable to all members of the Security Council,” the Ambassador said.
He also denied that Anglo Asian Mining, which has been granted mining licenses in Artsakh, has had influence on the UK government. “While Anglo Asian Mining is listed on the London Stock Exchange, the UK government does not own any shares in the company or sit on its management board,” he said. Gallagher added that the “dispute over rights to natural resources is an illustration of why it is so important for both Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage with each other to achieve a sustainable and peaceful settlement to the conflict.”
The UK ambassador also stated that the UK government has made clear that blocking the Lachin Corridor and disrupting gas supplies in winter risks severe humanitarian consequences. “We continue to urge the governments of both Azerbaijan and Armenia to abide by all ceasefire commitments in good faith. This is consistent with our support for international efforts to facilitate a sustainable and peaceful settlement to the conflict,” he said.
4:10 p.m.: Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of Russia’s President, told reporters that the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh must be acceptable for both Yerevan and Baku. He added that the issue has been discussed several times by the Armenian and Russian sides.
During a press conference on January 10, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that if the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh is not able to fulfill its obligations, it should apply to the UN Security Council to deploy an international peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh.
3:38 p.m.: On January 11, Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan chaired a meeting of the Security Council attended by representatives of all political forces represented in the National Assembly. The Security Councul session adopted a statement appealing to the international community to assume responsibility for preventing the terrorist actions undertaken by Azerbaijan, the planned ethnic cleansing and an impending new genocide.
In the statement it is also mentioned that the thoughts expressed by Azerbaijan’s President during the press conference held on January 10 prove once again that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor is nothing but an obvious manifestation of the threat of using force by the Azerbaijani authorities in the process of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
11:20 a.m.: Azerbaijan is hindering repair crews to access the area where the only high-voltage power line supplying Artsakh with electricity from Armenia has been damaged, the government of Artsakh told Armenpress.
12:02 a.m.: The 2023 OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, held two separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. A press release issued by the OSCE informs that the conversations with the ministers focused on the situation in the South Caucasus region, with a particular emphasis on the Lachin Corridor.
Bujar Osmani emphasized that he is carefully following the situation around the Lachin Corridor and expressed his concerns about its effect on the daily lives of the civilian population. He called for all sides to ease tensions and engage in constructive and productive dialogue. Osmani announced that he will hold subsequent separate visits to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
According to a press release issued by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan drew the OSCE Chairman’s attention to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. It was emphasized that the actions of Azerbaijan grossly violate the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, as well as international humanitarian law. Mirzoyan underlined that Azerbaijan’s actions are aimed at subjecting 120,000 Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing. In the context of preventing the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, Foreign Minister Mirzoyan stressed the need to undertake clear steps by relevant regional and international institutions, including the OSCE.
5:36 a.m.: Karen Donfried, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, urged Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov to “immediately engage to find a diplomatic solution to enable movement of goods through the Lachin Corridor.” She encouraged the ministers to “re-engage in the process of reaching an enduring peace.”
Mirzoyan briefed Donfried on the humanitarian situation deteriorating daily since the blockade began on December 12. In his turn, Bayramov “refuted fake propaganda on so-called ‘food shortage’” in Artsakh and provided “irrefutable facts on unobstructed use of the road for humanitarian purposes.”
January 10, 2023
8:42 p.m.: The Foreign Affairs Committee of Switzerland’s Council of States, the upper house of parliament, condemns the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and asks the federal government to appeal to the UN Security Council to take steps to lift the blockade and launch a humanitarian airlift between Yerevan and Stepanakert.
7:24 p.m.: The U.S. Helsinki Commission tweets: “The blocking of trade and transit on the Lachin Corridor is contributing to a humanitarian catastrophe in Karabakh, and should be lifted immediately. Azerbaijan has a moral responsibility for ensuring the welfare of Karabakh Armenians. This disturbing situation is further evidence that Russia is neither a reliable security provider nor a legitimate broker for peace in the South Caucasus, or elsewhere. Once again, Moscow instrumentalizes Armenian and Azerbaijani suffering for its own cynical, venal pursuits.”
5:28 p.m.: Local reports suggest an increasing shortage of medical supplies in Artsakh. Pharmacists interviewed by Artsakhpress reported great demand for baby formula, diapers and antibiotics, and blood pressure regulating drugs. There is a lack of antipyretic drugs for some children and a shortage of drugs and insulin syringes for diabetics.
3:23 p.m.: Ambassador of Japan to Armenia Masanori Fukushima calls for de-escalation of tensions and freedom and security of movement along the Lachin Corridor. “I am concerned by the reports of the developments around the Lachin Corridor. I urge the sides to de-escalate tensions and to ensure freedom and security of movement along the corridor, in line with the arrangements that the sides have agreed.”
12:53 p.m.: Artsakh’s Health Ministry informs that another three patients were transferred from Stepanakert to hospitals in Armenia. The patients were accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
12:30 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that on January 9, an accident occurred on the 33rd km of the only 110 kV high-voltage line supplying electricity to Artsakh from Armenia. Authorities in Artsakh believe that the accident occurred on the Aghavno-Berdzor section of the line, which is now under Azerbaijani control. As such, it is not possible to carry out emergency repairs. Electricity will be supplied to the public through local generating stations with restrictions. Because of the situation, rolling blackouts are being implemented in the Republic starting January 10. To avoid possible additional outages, the authorities are calling on the public to use electricity as sparingly as possible.
10:10 a.m.: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in an interview to local TV channels, talks extensively about the Lachin Corridor. He called the young people blocking the road “a source of our pride.” “They were there day and night in frosty and snowy weather, demanding their rights and once again showing the whole world how high the qualities of Azerbaijani youth are,” he stated.
He claimed that there is no blockade. “About 400 trucks of peacekeepers have passed through there” since December 12. He insisted that the Russian peacekeepers supply food and other goods to the Artsakh Armenians. “We do not object to that. Our goal is not a blockade. As many times as the Red Cross has applied, permission has been granted,” he said.
He described calling it a blockade “another anti-Azerbaijani show”, because “Armenians and their patrons think that they will gain something by using this against us.” He said Azerbaijan has “legitimate demands”, referring to accessing mines “exploited illegally” in Artsakh. “This action will probably continue until we have access. Our demands are also completely legitimate. Monitoring, inspection and an end to illegal exploitation are necessary, and we will achieve that. Therefore, it is simply unfair to call the events happening on the Lachin-Khankendi road a blockade,” Aliyev said.
Aliyev also stated that “conditions will be created” for those Armenians who “want to live there under the flag of Azerbaijan” and their rights and security will be provided “just like all the other citizens of Azerbaijan.” As for those, who do not want to become Azerbaijani citizens, Aliyev said, “the road is not closed, it is open. They can leave, they can go by themselves, no-one will hinder them. They can go under the awning of peacekeepers’ trucks or they can go by bus. The road is open.”
9:36 a.m.: UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterates his calls to de-escalate tensions and ensure freedom and security of movement along the Lachin Corridor. His spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told Armenpress that the Secretary-General underlined his concerns over the current situation in his statement on December 14, 2022. “These concerns were reiterated by the Secretariat during the Emergency Security Council session requested by Armenia on 20 December 2022. The Secretary-General reiterates his calls to de-escalate tensions and ensure freedom and security of movement along the corridor, in line with the previously reached agreements and expresses his support to the ongoing mediation efforts. The UN Country Teams in Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to maintain open channels with the authorities and international partners on the ground, and stand ready to respond if requested and as conditions allow,” Dujarric said.
January 9, 2023
1:55 p.m.: Azerbaijani media sources report that 21 vehicles belonging to the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh crossed the Lachin Corridor.
1:50 p.m.: During a discussion held by Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan and other ministers it was decided to introduce a coupon system for the effective and proportional distribution of food products from reserve supplies. In the initial stage coupons will be used for the distribution of a few first necessity products.
1:14 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that normal gas supply continues in Artsakh, and the information circulating about gas supply disruption does not correspond to reality.
January 8, 2023
9:06 p.m.: Artsakh authorities temporarily close down all preschools and kindergartens due to food shortages.
5:55 p.m.: An Armenian civilian is handed over to the Armenian side by Azerbaijan, who according to Azerbaijani claims had approached an Azerbaijani military outpost earlier, asking for help. He was taken to Shushi, where he was handed over to the Armenian side. Azerbaijani sources also claimed he had met with the “environmental activists” blocking the Goris-Stepanakert highway. Artsakh’s National Security Service said the civilian, Toros Ghazaryan, is a farmer from Chartar in the Martuni district. He had gone missing on January 1. Azerbaijan had previously denied that he was in their custody. Artsakh’s NSS accused Azerbaijan of staging a performance for propaganda purposes.
January 7, 2023
2:10 p.m.: By the decree of the President of Artsakh, Vitali Balasanyan has been relieved of his position as the Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Artsakh; Ararat Melkumyan has been appointed to the position. Up till his appointment as Secretary of the Security Council, Major-General Ararat Melkumyan held the position of the first deputy director of the National Security Service of the Republic of Artsakh.
12:35 p.m.: Three patients have been transported from Artsakh to medical institutions in Armenia through the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). One of the patients is a two-month-old with Down Syndrome, another patient is an adult with acute leukemia. The Artsakh Ministry of Health also reports that 13 children are still in the neonatal and intensive care units; 13 patients are in intensive care, six of them are in critical condition.
To date, a total of 13 patients, two of them children, have been transferred from Artsakh to Armenia with the mediation and accompaniment of the ICRC.
January 6, 2023
9:35 p.m.: Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE tweeted: “The United States remains concerned the Lachin Corridor has now been blocked for over three weeks, creating a grave humanitarian situation. We thank ICRC for providing critical aid during this time, but call on Azerbaijan and Russia to restore access immediately.”
2:10 p.m.: Hikmet Alizadeh, the head of the State Service for Environmental Security of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, is reported as saying that the eco-activists in the Lachin Corridor will continue their protest until their demands are met. According to Alizadeh, the participants of the action are demanding the necessary conditions to be able to monitor the area [of the mines].
1:35 p.m.: The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Artsakh reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of a villager and his tractor in Hatsi village of the Martuni region from adjacent Azerbaijani combat positions, while carrying out agricultural work. Artsakh authorities have reported the incident to the Russian peacekeepers. Agricultural works have been suspended. 3:47 p.m.: Artsakh’s Interior Ministry reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired in the direction of a tractor conducting fieldwork near the village of Hatsi in the Martuni region. The Russian peacekeeping mission has been informed about the incident.
January 5, 2023
8:26 p.m.: Azerbaijan filed a request for the indication of provisional measures in the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination before the International Court of Justice.
In its Request, Azerbaijan states that “new evidence has emerged that Armenia, contradicting representations it made to the Court in 2021, deliberately continued to lay landmines in or after 2021 in civilian zones to which displaced Azerbaijanis are slated to return” and that “[i]n October 2022, Azerbaijan also discovered booby traps in civilian homes that were planted or facilitated by Armenia’s forces.” Azerbaijan adds that “[u]rgent action is needed to stem the mounting casualties caused in recent weeks by Armenia’s actions.”
Azerbaijan requests the Court to indicate the following provisional measures:
(a) Armenia shall immediately take all necessary steps to enable Azerbaijan to undertake the prompt, safe and effective demining of the towns, villages, and other areas to which Azerbaijani civilians will return in the Lachin District, Kalbajar District and other formerly occupied districts of Azerbaijan, including by providing information about the location, quantity, type and characteristics of landmines, booby traps and any other explosive devices in these areas, in order to enable Azerbaijani internally displaced persons to return to their homes; and
(b) Armenia shall immediately cease and desist from any further efforts to plant or to sponsor or support the planting of landmines and booby traps in these areas to which Azerbaijani civilians will return in Azerbaijan’s territory, including, but not limited to, the use of the Lachin Corridor for this purpose.
8:01 p.m.: The Nagorno-Karabakh office of the HALO Trust tweeted that it is seriously concerned by the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor. The organization stated that it is hoping for a swift resolution of the situation adding that it is in regular contact with its regional partners and other humanitarian organizations to coordinate humanitarian assistance, as needed. The HALO Trust has around 100 local staff on the ground in Nagorno-Karabakh and noted that it is monitoring the availability of food and other supplies for them and their communities.
1:28 p.m.: The Parliament of Artsakh appealed to the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries (the United States, France, Russia), calling upon them to take concrete actions in the direction of either opening the Lachin Corridor or launching an air corridor – operating the Stepanakert airport, which would mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh during the winter.
11:40 p.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan stated that at the moment there are no negotiations between the Stepanakert authorities and Baku for opening the Lachin Corridor. He noted that the Azerbaijani side had presented demands, to which Stepanakert responded, stating that they are ready to let international environmental experts into the mines. There has been no subsequent response from Baku.
11 a.m.: Addressing the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated during the cabinet meeting that despite mounting international calls to open the corridor Azerbaijan is not taking any action to resolve the situation. According to Pashinyan, by blocking the Lachin Corridor Azerbaijan is violating the November 9 statement, which raises questions about Azerbaijan’s ability to adhere to agreements.
Pashinyan also said that the Armenian side expects concrete steps from the international community, and Russia in particular, to condemn Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing against the Armenians of Artsakh. In conclusion, the Prime Minister stated that the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor makes sending an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor even more necessary, adding that continuous efforts must be taken in that direction.
January 4, 2023
11:01 p.m.: U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price told Armenpress that the United States remains concerned about impeded access to the Lachin Corridor and the humanitarian implications of this situation. According to Price, this sets back the peace process and undermines international confidence. “We call for the full restoration of free movement through the corridor. The way forward for all issues is through negotiations,” he went on to say.
6:12 p.m.: Gegham Stepanyan, Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender, says imposing sanctions on Azerbaijan is the “only realistic step” in this situation. “International actors must decide whether the lives of starving people are important or economic or other interests,” he tweeted.
10:46 p.m.: The Artsakh Health Ministry informs that two patients, one with a brain tumor and another with a malignant tumor of the eye, have been transported to medical institutions in Armenia escorted by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
9:24 a.m.: Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass tweets: “I stand with the Armenian community here in Los Angeles calling for an end to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. We must clearly demonstrate our commitment to freedom by helping the people of Artsakh. This is a crisis and will only get worse with inaction. Lives are at stake.”
January 3, 2023
7 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issues a statement drawing the attention of international partners to the continuing blockade. “The humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh is worsening day-by-day. The lack of essential goods, food and medicine becomes more and more noticeable. The danger of malnutrition is tangible,” the statement says, adding that the calls by most of the UN Security Council members to lift the blockade are welcomed.
The MFA statement also welcomes France’s efforts in the ten-day period following the December 20 UNSC session to adopt a press statement. Armenia will continue to take steps in all possible formats, including within the framework of the UNSC and international and regional structures, in order to ensure a “decisive response and actions arising from the mandate and functions of these structures.”
The Foreign Ministry also says it is necessary to send an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground, as well as to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for relevant UN bodies. The statement says Armenia expects Russia to make efforts to eliminate the gross violation of the November 2020 tripartite statement without any preconditions.
In relation to the French efforts to adopt a UNSC joint statement in the ten-day period following the December 20 UNSC session, Vaqif Sadiqov, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and the Head of the Azerbaijani Mission to the European Union had tweeted on December 31, 2022 saying, “Today France lost another battle to Azerbaijan in UN Security Council in a failed attempt to push biased pro-Armenian UNSC statement on Lachin which triggered harsh reaction from other UNSC members. Words of gratitude go to Albania, Russia, UAE & UK! A great job of Azerbaijani diplomats!”
5 p.m.: The Artsakh authorities have decided to supply some essential goods from state reserves to stores.
January 2, 2023
A report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), “10 Conflicts to Watch in 2023,” also looks into the “Armenia and Azerbaijan” conflict and the fate of the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, however, the report does not mention the ongoing Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin Corridor that started on December 12.
According to the ICG report, “Russian peacekeepers have not stopped several flare-ups this past year. Azerbaijani troops in March and August captured more territory in Nagorno-Karabakh, including strategic mountain positions. In September, Azerbaijani forces seized territory inside Armenia proper. Each bout of attacks was progressively bloodier.”
The Report mentions that the war in Ukraine has also overshadowed peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan as, “Moscow has historically tended to lead peacemaking efforts over Nagorno-Karabakh.” As a result, according to the Report, there are two draft agreements floating around – one prepared by Russia and another Armenia and Azerbaijan themselves have developed with Western backing (many sections of which have contrasting text proposed by the two sides). Each draft tackles trade and stabilization of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, with the fate of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh left to a separate and so far uninitiated process.
The report concludes: “The danger is that the talks go nowhere or another flare-up sinks both the Moscow-led and West-backed tracks, and Azerbaijan takes what it can by force.”
December 31, 2022
10:35 p.m.: The National Security Service of the Republic of Artsakh, informs that Azerbaijani special services, using the Facebook pages of the citizens of Artsakh, are spreading false information about the alleged location of buses that are allocated to evacuate the residents of Stepanakert. The Artsakh NSS says the aim of the misinformation campaign is to spread panic among the population.
December 30, 2022
11:45 a.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that the International Committee of the Red Cross escorted another three patients in critical condition from Stepanakert to hospitals in Armenia.
December 29, 2022
9 p.m.: Yeghishe Kirakosyan, the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters informs that Armenia has applied to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the framework of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination proceedings against Azerbaijan asking the Court to order Azerbaijan to cease the blockade of Lachin Corridor and ensure the uninterrupted free movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Corridor.
2:23 p.m.: Reacting to Pashinyan’s proposal to send additional international peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says they can be deployed only if both sides of the conflict, including Azerbaijan, agree to it. “Armenia is one of our closest allies, Azerbaijan is our very valuable and dear partner,” he added.
1:23 p.m.: Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova hits back at Pashinyan’s statements on Russian peacekeepers. “Criticism of Russia, the Russian peacekeeping contingent, in this situation, I believe, is unacceptable. We have repeatedly said that Russian peacekeepers are doing everything possible to resolve the situation on the ground. No public attacks help matters. We are working to improve this situation,” she said.
11:30 a.m.: The Artsakh government has invited international organizations, namely UN agencies and “specialized organizations”, to carry out an environmental examination around the operations of Base Metals, the mining company that operates the Kashen mine, which has been targeted by Azerbaijan since early December and is the official pretext of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor since December 12. The Artsakh government had decided earlier, on December 28, to temporarily halt the operation of the mine.
11 a.m.: At the cabinet session, Prime Minister Pashinyan said a task force has been established to provide assistance to the people of Artsakh. Pashinyan said its objective is to monitor humanitarian issues with the Artsakh authorities and provide the necessary assistance, including with the help of international organizations. Speaking about Russia’s role, Pashinyan said that if, for whatever reason, it is unable to ensure stability and security in Nagorno-Karabakh, then it must initiate a discussion in the UN Security Council and raise the issue of either granting the UN Security Council mandate to the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh or deploying an additional, multinational peacekeeping contingent there. He added that while Armenia is an “ardent supporter” of the Russian peacekeeping force’s presence in Nagorno-Karabakh, increasingly visible conduct of the Russian peacekeepers of becoming a silent witness to the forced “exodus of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh” is unacceptable for Armenia.Pashinyan also said there are indications that Azerbaijan is preparing a new military provocation, including in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia’s prime minister also added that the Armenian government will provide an additional 4 billion dram ($10.2 million) assistance to Artsakh.
December 28, 2022
5:30 p.m.: The French ambassador to Azerbaijan was summoned to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. Azerbaijan expressed its concern to her “over the continuation and expansion of the slanderous campaign against Azerbaijan by various political forces of France and stressed that all this happens against the background of a lack of response from the French government.” Azerbaijan said the letter by leaders of several political parties to Macron contained “groundless accusations” towards Azerbaijan and encroaches on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
3 p.m.: The opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF, Dashnaktsutyun) holds a rally against the Armenian government, which the party says has taken no action in the past two weeks to reopen the Lachin Corridor.
12:52 p.m.: Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Kristinne Grigoryan tweeted that the UN Human Rights Council should send a fact-finding mission to the Lachin Corridor, which has been blocked for 17 days now. She added that the fact that only ICRC emblemed vehicles are allowed movement through the corridor is sufficient proof that the blockade continues.
11 a.m.: The NKR Infocenter reports that three patients in critical condition have been transferred from Artsakh to hospitals in Armenia through the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Azerbaijani news sources also report that four vehicles belonging to the Russian peacekeeping contingent passed through the blocked Lachin Corridor.
December 27, 2022
11:10 p.m.: In an open letter published in Le Monde, the leaders of France’s several major political parties, including the center-right Republicans, the Socialist Party, the liberal UDI and the Communist Party call on President Macron to “do everything possible to ensure the lasting security of the Armenians of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh and the Republic of Armenia.” In particular, they urge the French president to condemn Azerbaijan for violation of international law, occupation of a part of Armenia’s territory and war crimes, provide humanitarian assistance to Artsakh and economic assistance to Armenia, meet with representatives of Artsakh, ask EU and U.S. partners to take similar steps and impose sanctions on Azerbaijan. They also call Macron to take steps, along with EU and U.S. partners, to restart the Stepanakert airport and ensure the safety of air communication with Artsakh. They also urge the submission of a case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) with the prospect of the UN Security Council approving the deployment of an international peacekeeping force.
6 p.m.: The UN Human Rights Office calls on the sides to “resolve pending issues through a dialogue, urgently enable free and safe movement, protect human rights and avoid adverse humanitarian impact on civilians.”
5 p.m.: The UNICEF Armenia Office issued a statement calling for ensuring freedom and security of movement along the Lachin corridor, in line with previous agreements.
“Children are being impacted by the virtual closure of access to Nagorno Karabakh via the Lachin corridor. The longer the situation persists, the more children will experience the lack of basic food items, while access to many of the essential services they need for their survival, healthy growth and wellbeing will become more challenging. Many children have also been deprived of parental care as they have been separated from their parents or legal guardians,” the statement reads.
According to the organization, unblocking the Lachin Corridor is critical to ensure that children in Nagorno-Karabakh are protected and that humanitarian actors can safely and quickly reach those in need. UNICEF also notes that it continues to seek dialogue and work in coordination with all actors to gain access to children in these areas.
4:50 p.m.: A group of Artsakh Armenians have gathered near the headquarters of the Russian peacekeeping mission located on the territory of the Stepanakert airport, demanding a meeting with the Commander of the peacekeeping mission Andrei Volkov. The Artsakh Armenians are demanding that Vladimir Putin keep his promise and that the Road to Life be unblocked. The protesters are saying that if Volkov does not meet them they will block the road leading to the headquarters of the Russian peacekeeping mission. They are also planning to stage a sit-in until their demands are met and the situation is resolved.
4:30 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov commented on the situation in the Lachin Corridor and Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations during his final press conference for 2022. Regarding the Lachin Corridor he stated that preventing Azerbaijani officials from monitoring the mines in Nagorno-Karabakh was a provocation by “those who declared themselves as heads of local organizations.” He called it unacceptable and an organized crime. Bayramov went on to say that since Azerbaijani authorities were not allowed to monitor the mines their “ecologists started a peaceful protest, which is their right and they are using it.”
Bayramov also touched upon Artsakh’s Defense Army, stating that Azerbaijan’s position on the issue of the “removal of illegal Armenian armed groups from Karabakh is absolutely firm.” He went on to say that although Armenian officials claim that Armenian forces have withdrawn from Nagorno-Karabakh it is not the case. According to Bayramov, it is Armenia’s obligation to withdraw its forces from Artsakh under the November 9 trilateral statement and Armenia is violating this obligation. “In many cases, the cause of tension in Karabakh is the activity of illegal armed groups there,” Bayramov said.
Commenting on Ruben Vardanyan’s appointment as State Minister, Bayramov stated that during the construction of the alternative road bypassing Lachin there was normal communication between construction workers and Armenians. He added that there were discussions between the Artsakh Armenians and Azerbaijani authorities about the operation of the Sarsang water reservoir. “However, a person with a tainted past was sent to the region,” Bayramov continued, stating that Azerbaijan is ready to prevent such provocations. He also added that while Azerbaijani authorities have had contacts with Armenians in Artsakh after the 2020 war and will continue to have contacts in the future, they will never talk to Ruben Vardanyan.
Bayramov also spoke about the final status of Artsakh, noting that Russia’s proposal to postpone discussions about the status of Nagorno-Karabakh is unacceptable for Azerbaijan. He added that Baku is negotiating on the five basic principles it proposed to Armenia in March this year (these five principles do not touch upon the status of Artsakh).
Speaking about Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations Bayramov said that Yerevan’s position regarding the so-called Zangezur corridor will just harm Armenia, as the construction of the bridge over the Araks/Aras river between Azerbaijan and Iran has already started which will link Azerbaijan proper and Nakhichevan by a short route.
Bayravov also stated that during the border delimitation process Armenia must return eight villages to Azerbaijan (the eight Azerbaijani enclaves in the territory of Armenia).
3:51 p.m.: Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denies that Russia is pressuring Armenia to provide a corridor through its territory to Azerbaijan and to join the Russia-Belarus Union State. Peskov was responding to a query by an Armenian outlet about statements by Armenia’s Security Council secretary Armen Grigoryan on Public TV yesterday.
“Such statements can be viewed as provocative. They do not correspond to reality. None of the Russian officials have said this and have not communicated it to the Armenian side through anyone,” Peskov told news.am.
2:30 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the informal gathering of the CIS leaders. Before the closed door meeting kicked off, Putin noted that yesterday they held a trilateral meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. He added that the main issues are “the settlement of the situation in the South Caucasus, Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, everything related to Karabakh.” Putin also said that these issues will be discussed in detail with Pashinyan.
Pashinyan, in his turn, stated that the main issue at the moment is the crisis that exists in the Lachin Corridor. He added that the Lachin Corridor, which has been closed for almost 20 days, is in the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinyan went on to say that according to the November 9 statement the Lachin Corridor should be under the control of Russian peacekeepers, and Azerbaijan has guaranteed the unimpeded movement of passengers, goods, and people through the Lachin Corridor.
“Now it turns out that the Lachin Corridor is not under the control of Russian peacekeepers, and I would like to discuss that situation and the available variants,” Pashinyan concluded.
11:30 a.m.: The Offices of the Human Rights Defenders of Armenia and Artsakh published an ad hoc report with newly updated data on the humanitarian consequences of the 15-day blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan.
The report summarized the Azerbaijani public discourse and analyzed the statements of Azerbaijani officials, concluding that since November, Azerbaijan’s political leadership prepared and directed public opinion on the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. Methods of inciting and inflaming Armenophobia and ethnic hatred towards the Armenians of Artsakh continued to be widely used by the Azerbaijani government propaganda machine, giving it a fake environmental context. The report also updated newly revealed facts on the participants of the so-called environmental action.
According to established practice, the report will be presented to organizations and actors with an international human rights mandate. It will also be available for international judicial instances where, inter alia, Armenia’s demand to unblock the only road connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the world by Azerbaijan is initiated.
December 26, 2022
7 p.m.: A group of activists and journalists from Armenia marched towards the Lachin Corridor trying to cross into Artsakh. They were met by a Russian peacekeeper who did not identify himself. The activists were told that the peacekeepers cannot open the road until there is an order from the president.
December 25, 2022
3:30 p.m.: Through the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), 10 tons of humanitarian assistance was sent to Artskah today, according to ICRC spokesperson Zara Amatuni. The cargo contained children’s and other food products and medicine and was delivered to health institutions in Artsakh to be redistributed from there. In addition to delivering the aid, the ICRC also facilitated the departure of four foreign nationals from Artsakh today. Amatuni told Hetq that she cannot disclose their nationalities but noted that they have chronic health conditions.
2 p.m.: Thousands of people took part in a rally in Renaissance Square in Stepanakert, reiterating their readiness to fight for the independence of Artsakh. In an appeal to Armenians worldwide and the international community, the people of Artsakh stated that the uninterrupted connection between Artsakh and Armenia cannot be a subject of any negotiations and bargaining. They demanded that the road connecting Artsakh and the outside world be restored without preconditions and immediately, and conditions put into place to mitigate such scenarios in the future.
December 24, 2022
4:29 p.m.: A protest took place in Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square, from where people proceeded to the Shushi-Karin Tak intersection at the Lachin Corridor, which Azerbaijanis have blockaded for the 13th consecutive day and where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is also situated. Tigran Petrosyan, the president of the Artsakh of Tomorrow party, who is also one of the organizers of the rally said that the protest is to make the voice of the Artsakh Armenians heard and the rally to where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is situated is a means to amplify the message.
3:43 p.m.: NKR InfoCenter reports that President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan had a meeting with responsible officials of state structures and a number of private companies.
The military-political situation developed in the aftermath of the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan was discussed during the meeting attended by NA Chairman Arthur Tovmasyan and State Minister, Head of the Operational Headquarter Ruben Vardanyan as well. President Harutyunyan noted that since December 3, the Azerbaijani side, using environmental pretexts, had been bringing forward demands unacceptable for the Artsakh Republic. According to the President, the consolidation of people and the political field is needed to overcome yet another challenge.
During the meeting, it was also announced that a rally will be held in Stepanakert on December 25 to confirm once again the determination of the people of Artsakh to live on their own land.
11:30 a.m.: Artskh’s Health Ministry reports that the four-month-old child who was diagnosed with intestinal leishmaniasis and was at the Arevik Medical Center in critical condition was transported to Armenia today through the mediation and accompaniment of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
December 23, 2022
8:46 p.m.: On December 23, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a phone conversation with Brice Roquefeuil, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair of France.
The interlocutors touched upon issues related to the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Presenting the situation resulting from blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized that Azerbaijan’s actions are aimed at creating a large-scale humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and subjecting Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing.
Minister Mirzoyan stressed that the international community should take efficient steps to force Azerbaijan to fully respect the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020 and unconditionally unblock the Lachin Corridor, removing all obstacles for safe and unhindered transport communication. He emphasized the importance of sending the fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and Lachin Corridor in order to assess the humanitarian situation, as well as the provision of unimpeded humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for relevant UN bodies.
8:25 p.m.: On December 23, the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a phone conversation with Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia. During the phone conversation, regional security and stability issues were touched upon. Mirzoyan presented the situation resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, including the humanitarian consequences for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
5:30 p.m.: More than 200 French intellectuals and artists have signed under a call published by the French Le Figaro titled, “We Must Save the 120,000 Armenians of Artsakh!” The statement reads:, “With our collective conscience, with our united voices, with all the means available to each of us, let us fight against the tragedy that is already underway. We can save 120 thousand Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh.” The article also mentions Azerbaijan’s use of white phosphorous and the torture of Amrenians during the 2020 Artsakh War and called the closure of the Lachin corridor, which is the only connection of the Artsakh Armenians with the world, yet another torment by a dictatorship.
5 p.m.: Despite Armenia’s refusal to participate in the meeting planned in Moscow between the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia (Armenian Foreign Ministry had said that at the moment, the priority of the Armenian Foreign Minister is the unimpeded reopening of the Lachin Corridor,) Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov held talks in Moscow today. During a joint press conference after the meeting, Lavrov said that the position of Russia is that full transport communication through the Lachin Corridor must be restored as soon as possible, and the differences regarding the operation of mines in the region must be settled. He added that all sides must adhere to the November 9 trilateral statement.
Jeyhun Bayramov stated that Ruben Vardanyan (newly appointed State Minister) must immediately leave Artsakh. He added that the sooner Vardanyan leaves the better, as the local population is suffering under his presence. According to Bayramov, Vardanyan hinders them from reintegration into Azerbaijan. Bayramov also noted that before Vardanyan’s arrival there had been positive interactions between the government of Azerbaijan and the authorities in Artsakh, without further elaborating what those interactions were. Lavrov stated that Russia has nothing to do with Vardanyan and his appointment as State Minister in Artsakh.
10:05 a.m.: U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke separately with Armen Grigoryan, Armenia’s Security Council secretary, and Hikmet Hajiyev, Head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan. They discussed progress made in the EU and U.S.-facilitated peace talks since their joint September 27 meeting in Washington. All affirmed their commitment to negotiations with the goal of finalizing a peace agreement. Sullivan urged both sides to consider steps that will ease tensions and serve as the basis of good neighborly relations in the future.
Sullivan noted the United States’ “ongoing concern over impeded access to the Lachin Corridor and the growing humanitarian implications of this situation, and called for full restoration of free movement through the corridor.”
December 22, 2022
9:46 p.m.: Spain’s Congress of Deputies unanimously adopted a statement calling on Azerbaijan to ensure the freedom and safety of movement along the Lachin Corridor and urging international bodies to prevent a new humanitarian crisis in the region.
5:10 p.m.: In an appeal published in the newspaper Libération, the mayors of France’s three largest cities, Paris, Lyon and Marseille, called on France and the EU to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan for the blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
4:19 p.m.: Russia’s Foreign Ministry reports that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov discussed the situation in the Lachin Corridor and the disagreements regarding the quarrying of mines in the region. Lavrov underlined the necessity to implement the trilateral agreement on guaranteeing an unhindered connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia.
Regret was expressed for Yerevan’s decision not to participate in the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia scheduled for December 23 in Moscow to discuss the preparation of a peace treaty.
3:39 p.m.: Armenia asked to postpone the meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan scheduled for December 23 in Moscow. Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahan Hunanyan told Armenpress, that at the moment, the priority of the Armenian Foreign Minister is the unimpeded reopening of the Lachin Corridor, which has been closed for 11 days, and addressing the problems created as a result of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hunanyan said the Armenian side had confirmed its readiness to participate in the meeting to be held in Moscow about two weeks ago, before the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan..
Hunanyan also said that new proposals of the Armenian side regarding the document on the normalization of relations were sent to Azerbaijan as a sign of Armenia’s constructiveness.
3:06 p.m.: Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, says movement along the Lachin Corridor should be restored as a matter of urgency to prevent a deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. “Those responsible for maintaining public order and security of the Corridor should take all the necessary steps to restore movement along that road as a matter of urgency and prevent a deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Furthermore, all relevant stakeholders should avoid escalation of tensions,” she said.
2 p.m.: Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Matters, said during a press conference that no action is expected from Azerbaijan following the decision of the European Court of Human Rights to apply interim measures against Baku for the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
“Unfortunately the toolbox has limitations. Formally, there is the possibility of the following steps within the framework of the European Convention. There is the Committee of Ministers, whom the court can notify on the indicated measures, and the Committee of Ministers, as the main political body of the Council of Europe, is following the course of implementation of the court’s judgments and decisions. In case of necessity the Committee of Ministers must discuss and interfere in these issues, understand what steps are required politically in order to strengthen pressure against Azerbaijan. Naturally, there are procedures here as well, up to raising the issue of Azerbaijan violating its obligation in the European Court, issue of ousting Azerbaijan from the Council of Europe, but there is a very long road for that,” Kirakosyan said.
Kirakosyan said the ECHR decision is at least reflecting the objective reality and it can be used for political and diplomatic means.
2 p.m.: Hugh Williamson, the Europe & Central Asia division Director of Human Rights Watch, tweeted that HRW urges Azerbaijan and Russian peacekeepers to allow freedom of movement and access for humanitarian supplies through the Lachin Corridor.
2 p.m.: Russian officials, including presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov and MFA spokesperson Maria Zakharova, say they disagree with Pashinyan’s assessment that Russian peacekeepers are not fulfilling their obligations in regards to opening the Lachin Corridor.
11 a.m.: Azerbaijani news outlets report that five supply vehicles of the Russian vehicles crossed the Lachin Corridor. According to the Azerbaijani side this is evidence that Azerbaijani “peaceful protesters” did not block the corridor. 11 a.m.: During the cabinet meeting Prime Minister Pashinyan spoke about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, stating that the situation remains critical. He stated that the main mandate of the Russian peacekeeping mission is to prevent such illegal activities by the Azerbaijani side and monitor the Lachin Corridor. Pashinyan also said that Russia is de facto not fulfilling its obligations of the November 9 statement.
Pashinyan said Armenia should work to bring an international fact-finding mission to the Lachin Corridor, be it from the UN or the OSCE.
December 21, 2022
9:09 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan posted a video on twitter where a truck belonging to the Russian peacekeeping mission is not allowed to pass through the corridor by the Azerbaijani “environmental activists”. Stepanyan tweeted: “The Russian peacekeeper approaches the so-called Azerbaijan ‘environmentalists’ asking to open the road in Lachin Corridor for the Russian peacekeepers’ convoy to pass. Being rejected he orders the tracks to turn around and go. Another proof of Azerbaijani fake narrative.”
9 p.m.: The Office of Armenia’s Representative of International Legal Matters reports that the European Court of Human Rights examined the request of Armenia to apply interim measures against Azerbaijan. A press release issued by the European Court of Human Rights says:
“Noting that the extent to which the Government of Azerbaijan is currently in control of the situation in the ‘Lachin Corridor’ was disputed and unclear at this stage, noting in addition the obligation of Azerbaijan under Article 6 of the Trilateral Statement signed on 9 November 2020 to “guarantee the security of persons, vehicles and cargo moving along the Lachin Corridor in both directions” and reminding them of their obligations under the Convention, the Court decided, in the interests of the parties and the proper conduct of the proceedings before it, to indicate to the Government of Azerbaijan, under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, to take all measures that are within their jurisdiction to ensure safe passage through the “Lachin Corridor” of seriously ill persons in need of medical treatment in Armenia and others who were stranded on the road without shelter or means of subsistence.
6:50 p.m.: The Office of Armenia’s Representative of International Legal Matters announced that the European Court of Human Rights has granted Armenia’s request and indicated interim measures in respect of Azerbaijan. Further details will be provided shortly.
2 p.m.: Armenian and Artsakh officials criticize Russia’s remarks at the UN Security Council discussion. Armenia’s parliament speaker Alen Simonyan said Russia was either unable or unwilling to call out Azerbaijan directly, unlike some countries not allied with Armenia. Artak Beglaryan, adviser to the State Minister, said the statement of the Russian representative did not reflect reality.
11:30 a.m.: Turkey’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Cahit Bağcı, visits Azerbaijanis blockading the Lachin Corridor and tweets: “Karabakh is Azerbaijan.”
12:01 a.m.: Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch said that the “Prolonged blocking of the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to the outside world could lead to dire humanitarian consequences.”
“Regardless of who is blocking the road, Azerbaijan’s authorities and the Russian peacekeeping force deployed there should ensure that access remains open, to enable freedom of movement and ensure people have access to essential goods and services. The longer the disruption to essential goods and services, the greater the risk to civilians,” he added.
Human Rights Watch also said that those in control of the road and the area around it – Azerbaijani authorities and the Russian peacekeeping force – should ensure that vehicles with humanitarian goods can pass and that freedom of movement is not stopped.
The human rights watchdog added that whether the protesters have genuine environmental concerns or other grievances, Azerbaijan should facilitate the right to peaceful protest by interacting with the protesters in a way that ensures the road remains open and the protest does not deny Nagorno-Karabakh residents their rights of access to essential services and goods, and to freedom of movement.
12:00 a.m.: At midnight the UN Security Council discussed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor upon the request of Armenia. A number of countries directly called out Azerbaijan for the blockade of the Corridor demanding its immediate reopening. The representative of France Nathalie Broadhurst Estival underlined Azerbaijan’s commitment under the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement to ensure secure passage for vehicles through the corridor calling on the implementation of the statement. She also called for immediate, free and unhindered access for humanitarian organizations and UN agencies, especially the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to the populations concerned.
The representative of the U.S. Robert Wood said that impediment to use the Lachin Corridor sets back the peace process and undermines international confidence in it. He called on Azerbaijan and others responsible for the Corridor’s security to restore free movement, including for humanitarian and commercial use.
The representative of Norway, called on the parties to adhere to the agreements articulated in the November 9 trilateral statement stressing that Azerbaijan in particular must guarantee safe movement. And the representative of Ireland, Martin Gallagher called on the UN Security Council to do everything it can to prevent another human-made catastrophe emerging on its watch. He noted that without the free movement of people, goods, food and medical supplies, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh will surely face a humanitarian crisis this winter, adding that Azerbaijan must immediately and unconditionally restore freedom and security of movement along the Corridor in line with the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020.
The representative of Russia, Anna Evstigneeva expressed concern over the blocking of the Lachin Corridor, which, according to her, resulted from disagreements on the quarrying of mines in Nagorno-Karabakh. She recalled that both sides undertook commitments that must be strictly observed — including the obligation to ensure civilians do not face difficulties — and said that her country expects that a full transport corridor will be restored “in the very near future”. Evstigneeva also stated that Russia managed to achieve the partial opening of the corridor for vehicles and that talks are underway to ensure the access of Azerbaijani ecologists to the mines in Nagorno-Karabakh.
December 20, 2022
4:40 p.m.: For the first time since the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Iran responded to the situation unfolding in Nagorno-Karabakh. Asked by reporters to comment on the situation, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said that Iran hopes that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor will be resolved through dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized that the full implementation of the terms of the trilateral statement on ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan can put an end to the disputes between the two countries,” Kanaani said.
2 p.m.: Hasmik Samvelyan, the press officer of Armenia’s Office of the Representative of International Legal Matters told Factor.am that Yerevan has not received a reply from the European Court of Human Rights regarding its request for interim measures against Azerbaijan for the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. The court had given Azerbaijan time until 4 p.m. CET, December 19 to respond to Armenia’s appeal.
11:01 a.m.: Armenia’s Ambassador at Large Edmon Marukyan tweeted: “‘Environmental activists’ of Azerbaijan have taken responsibility for checking humanitarian cargo and are preventing the unhindered passage of cargo through the Lachin Corridor. Basically, they have illegally reserved customs duties. This nonsense has to be stopped!”
10 a.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry reports that based on Armenia’s request, the UN Security Council will discuss the situation in the Lachin Corridor today at midnight Yerevan time.
9:30 a.m.: Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan in a Facebook live provided updates on the situation on the Lachin Corridor. Vardanyan said that various reports about the corridor being open are not accurate, for as long as the Azerbaijani’s are there and are deciding which cars to stop and which to let through, it gives them the opportunity to technically set up a checkpoint. This, according to Vardanyan, is unacceptable.
December 19, 2022
One week ago today, so-called Azerbaijani “eco-activists” blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only lifeline Artsakh has with the rest of the world. There are reports of dwindling food supplies and medicine for 120,000 people who are now under siege; 1,100 people, 270 of whom are children, are stranded, unable to return home to their families.
9:40 p.m.: On December 19, the European Monitoring Mission, which had been deployed along Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan since October 20, completed its mission. The European Council — in agreement with Armenia’s authorities — decided that the existing EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia) will deploy a transitional planning assistance team in Armenia to enhance the EU’s awareness of the security situation, and contribute to the planning and preparation of a possible civilian Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) mission in the country. The transitional planning assistance team is also expected to support the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in the EU-facilitated normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
7:15 p.m.: A seriously ill patient in Artsakh who needed medical assistance died today, according to Yerevan State Medical University Rector Armen Muradyan. Elective surgeries have been suspended in all hospitals. The Artsakh Health Ministry had earlier reported that as of this afternoon, 11 people are in the intensive care unit at the Republican Hospital in Stepanakert. There are also 12 children in NICU in Arevik Children’s Medical Association, among them, a 4-month old who is in extremely critical condition.1:25 p.m.: An ambulance carrying a patient from Stepanakert in critical condition passed through the blocked section of the Lachin Corridor. The ambulance was accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The patient must undergo immediate heart surgery and the ambulance is now on its way to Yerevan.
6:17 a.m.: U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus tweeted: “Joined my colleagues on a letter to the President of the United States urging him to take action to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh after Azerbaijan has imposed a blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, endangering thousands.”
December 18, 2022
3:33 p.m.: Pope Francis addressed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor stating that he is concerned about the situation. “I am concerned about the precarious humanitarian conditions of the people, which are in further danger of deteriorating during the winter season,” he said. He also called on the sides to find “peaceful solutions for the good of the people.”
December 17, 2022
8 p.m.: The Russian Ministry of Defense says in its daily communiqué that talks are underway and the Russian peacekeeping command is “waiting for the answers of the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides to proposals to resolve the situation.”
5:14 p.m.: Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweets: “Continuing blockade of the Lachin Corridor causes severe human suffering of the local population in Nagorno-Karabakh and has damaging impact on the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Estonia calls on parties to adhere to the trilateral statement of November 2020 and to return to peaceful negotiations.”
2:58 p.m.: Azerbaijan claims Armenian forces in Gegharkunik fired at Azerbaijani positions in the Kalbajar (Karvachar) region, while “illegal” Armenian units fired at Azerbaijani positions in the Lachin region. Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted Azerbaijan’s claims.
12:07 p.m.: U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff and two dozen other congressmen sent a letter to President Biden, urging the administration to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh amid the growing crisis in the region. The members also called for the administration to cease all financial support to Azerbaijan and impose sanctions.
“Azerbaijan is once again weaponizing basic human necessities to further degrade already strained living conditions for the Armenians living in Artsakh. If this situation continues, a humanitarian crisis with potentially tragic consequences is imminent,” the members wrote in the letter.
“This is only the most recent example of Azerbaijan’s belligerence, which has followed a well-documented pattern of abuse against the Armenian population of Artsakh, motivated by the bombastic rhetoric of the Aliyev regime. We urge the Administration to use all tools at its disposal to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh, now and in the future, including cessation of financial support to Azerbaijan and imposition of sanctions. We cannot allow Azerbaijan’s policy of aggression and intimidation to continue,” the members stated.
1 a.m.: Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel states at the U.S. State Department’s press briefing: “The closure of the Lachin Corridor has potentially severe humanitarian implications and, quite candidly, sets back the peace process. We’re pleased that natural gas to Nagorno-Karabakh has been restored. Disruptions to energy infrastructure could precipitate a humanitarian crisis, as I said. And we call on the restoration of free movement through the corridor as soon as possible, and the way forward to this is through negotiations.”
December 16, 2022
11:14 p.m.: German Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance Luise Amtsberg tweets: “Free movement of people, vehicles and goods must be restored on the Lachin Corridor asap: otherwise rising risk of grave humanitarian effects for civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Dialogue and peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia should be the urgent focus!”
10:10 p.m.: Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus tweets: “There’s a video circulating about an EUMCAP patrol observing the road leading to the Lachin Corridor. The patrol was then at a checkpoint about 1.2 km from the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. EUMCAP, in line with its mandate, operates exclusively on Armenian territory and did not enter the Corridor.”
9:58 p.m.: Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Katherine Clark tweeted: “Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh is a humanitarian crisis in the making. Thousands of Armenian lives — particularly the elderly and children — are at risk if access to food, medicine & heat is not restored. We must help secure peace & hold Azerbaijan accountable.”
7:55 p.m.: According to the independent think tank Security Council Report, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed at the UN Security Council on the morning of December 16 at the request of France, behind closed doors. “No briefer is expected,” said the report.
6:15 p.m.: The four co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for the monitoring of Azerbaijan and Armenia said in a joint statement that they are “deeply concerned by the interruption of freedom of movement in the Lachin corridor, causing considerable hardship to the population.” Ian Liddell-Granger (UK) and Lise Christoffersen (Norway), co-rapporteurs for Azerbaijan, and Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland) and Boriana Åberg (Sweden), co-rapporteurs for Armenia said “freedom and security of movement of persons and goods must be urgently restored along the corridor.”
PACE’s Monitoring Committee discussed the ongoing situation and the diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan with Toivo Klaar, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, and Brice Roquefeuille, French Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. They reiterated their readiness to “provide all political support needed, including by undertaking a fact-finding mission to the region.”
5:33 p.m.: Lithuania’s MFA tweets: “Deeply concerned about the continuing blockade of Lachin Corridor, resulting in severe humanitarian consequences for NagornoKarabakh. Such developments not only hinder the free movement, but also derail the whole peace process in South Caucasus.”
1:40 p.m.: A group of EU Monitoring Mission observers visit the Goris-Stepanakert highway to monitor the situation. 9:10 a.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan announced that Azerbaijan restored the gas supply to Artsakh without any preconditions and any compromise from Artsakh. He also stated that there is a possibility that the Lachin Corridor will be opened today. Vardanyan also called for a rally to take place on December 17, at 3 p.m. to show the strength of the people of Artsakh.
December 15, 2022
12:30 a.m.: Samantha Power, head of USAID tweeted: The Lachin Corridor must be re-opened immediately – the closure has the potential to cause a significant humanitarian crisis. This corridor is an essential route for the flow of much needed food and medical supplies that must be allowed to flow freely.
12:16 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry and Artsakh’s Defense Army refuted accusations by the Azerbaijani side that Armenian Armed Forces from Armenia and Artsakh opened fire in the direction of Azerbaijani military positions.
9:50 p.m.: The Office of Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Matters reports that the European Court of Human Rights has made a decision upon Armenia’s appeal to give Azerbaijan time until 4 p.m. on December 19 CET to respond to Armenia’s request on interim measures. The Court will make a decision after that.
7:30 p.m.: Anna Ifkovits, head of Eurasia Division at Switzerland’s Department of Foreign Affairs tweeted: “Switzerland is concerned about last developments around the Lachin Corridor and possible humanitarian consequences. Free passage through the corridor must be restored asap and negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan resumed to address all pending issues.”
6:17 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of the Netherlands tweeted that the Netherlands is closely following the situation in the Lachin corridor, calling on Azerbaijan to ensure freedom and security of movement. The Netherlands encourages Armenia and Azerbaijan to restart peace negotiations as soon as possible.
5:26 p.m.: The Azerbaijani “environmental activists” who have blocked the Lachin Corridor since December 12, have put forth new demands — to establish the control of Azerbaijani state institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Border Service and the State Customs territory of Nagorno-Karabakh with their separate checkpoints, to place Border Service and Customs Committee checkpoints on the border with Armenia at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor.
Upon blocking the Lachin Corridor, the demand of the so-called eco-activists was entry to the mines of Kashen and Drmbon. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told foreign diplomats and military attaches accredited in Azerbaijan that the demands of the activists have not been met yet.
2:37 p.m.: The Human Rights Defenders of Armenia and Artsakh published a joint Ad Hoc public report on “The Humanitarian Consequences of the Blockade of the Only Road Connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the World”. The report presents the facts which state the fabricated and false nature of the “protests” of the Azerbaijani “environmental activists” and their direct connection with the Azerbaijani government and special services. Facts on the continuous nature of the violation of the rights of persons are presented in the Report.
The Human Rights Defenders call upon the governments, international and regional organizations with a mandate to protect human rights, and other actors involved in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to take all possible measures to stop the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh that is deepening daily.
The report is based on the analysis of the events that took place on December 12-14, 2022. It will be sent to international and regional organizations and other actors involved in the resolution of the conflict, guaranteeing the continuous transfer of information and facts on the humanitarian crisis and the human rights violations as a result of the acts of the Azerbaijani side, which are a manifestation of their state-sponsored policy of Armenophobia.
1:40 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tweeted that the closure of the Lachin Corridor is a gross violation of the November 9 trilateral statement by Azerbaijan, since according to point 6 of the statement, the corridor is under the control of the Russian peacekeepers and Azerbaijan guarantees the safety of movement of citizens, transport and goods through it.
1:40 p.m.: A number of MEPs from the European Parliament called on Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, to use the powers of the European Union to take concrete steps and ensure the safety of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The MEPs state that since the end of the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan has been using various methods of creating “extremely hard and hopeless” living conditions for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, including military provocations, psychological intimidation and cutting off the gas in freezing winter temperature. They add that the EU cannot allow the policy of intimidation and aggression from Azerbaijan to continue.
1:36 p.m.: Russia’s Foreign Ministry Representative Maria Zakharova stated during a weekly briefing that Russia is concerned about the situation in the Lachin Corridor which, according to her, is the result of a disagreement regarding the exploitation of mines between Artsakh and Azerbaijan. Zakharova also said that Moscow hopes that transportation will be restored through the corridor in the near future.
She also called any criticism of the action of the peacekeepers deployed in Artsakh as unfounded, stating that “the Russian peacekeeping contingent is effectively fulfilling its tasks, acting as a guarantor of stability in the region.”
1:07 p.m.: The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on Azerbaijani authorities to ensure freedom and security of movement and transport in both directions along the Lachin Corridor without any preconditions in compliance with the Tripartite Statement of November 9, 2020. The local population should be spared from hardships and distress, the statement says.
12:37 p.m.: Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the South Caucasus, expressed her “grave concern” regarding the actions of the Azerbaijani state authorities and the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, noting that safe movement through the Corridor is guaranteed under the November 9 trilateral statement. She urged the government of Azerbaijan to fulfill its obligations under the statement and called for utmost restraint in terms of both actions and rhetoric.
11:30 a.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan told the Russian Kommersant that in order to avoid dependence on Azerbaijan, Artsakh requires a humanitarian air corridor, allowing planes with humanitarian aid to land at the Stepanakert airport. For this, Vardanyan noted, pressure from the international community is required. He added that a functional airport and a humanitarian corridor are important conditions to ensure the Armenian community stays in Artsakh and to prevent situations like the current crisis from happening again.
11:12 a.m.: The Artsakh Defense Army refutes Azerbaijani MoD’s claims that Artsakh forces fired at Azerbaijani positions earlier today.
11:08 a.m.: Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić expresses concern for the humanitarian situation around the Lachin Corridor. Dialogue is key to avoiding escalating tensions. The CoE is ready to assist reconciliation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan through confidence-building measures.
11 a.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh during the cabinet meeting, blaming Azerbaijan for grossly violating the November 9 trilateral statement. He also stated that Azerbaijan is continuously implementing the “Artsakh-Without-Armenians” policy, adding that Armenia must do everything so that this policy is condemned by the international community.
Pashinyan also thanked the countries and organizations that condemned Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor, stating that it is strange that some friendly countries are silent on the issue.
10:21 a.m.: In a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan briefed him about the blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan and disruptions of gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh and the serious humanitarian challenges as a result
10:11 a.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry claims “illegal” Armenian armed units in Nagorno-Karabakh, in the region of Martuni, used small arms to fire at the direction of Azerbaijani positions. Azerbaijan also claims that earlier, on December 14, Armenian armed forces fired at Azerbaijani positions in the Kalbajar (Karvachar) and Lachin (Kashatagh) regions from the area of Vardenis, Gegharkunik and Goris, Syunik.
9:25 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire from different caliber firearms in the direction of Armenian military positions near the village of Norabak in the Gegharkunik region and the village of Srashen in the Syunik region. The Armenian side did not report any casualties. As of 8:30 a.m., the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is relatively stable.9 a.m.: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres “urges the sides to de-escalate tensions and to ensure freedom and security of movement along the [Lachin] corridor, in line with the previously reached agreements” and “”reiterates his support to the ongoing mediation efforts in the region.”
1:53 a.m.: Freedom House tweets: “We call on the international community to reiterate its support for negotiations without coercion. Azerbaijan must cease its blockage of the Lachin corridor— the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to the outside world. We are disturbed by reports that Azerbaijan has also cut off the gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh once again. We call on the Azerbaijani government to restore unhindered gas supplies to the people of the region. Finally, we urge the OSCE Minsk Group countries and the sides of the Nov. 9, 2020 trilateral statement to take the necessary steps to ensure the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, including their freedom of movement.”
December 14, 2022
10 p.m.: During his speech at the UNSC “New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism” Ministerial Meeting Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenians witnessed first-hand the decline of multilateralism with Azerbaijan’s continuous aggression against Armenia and Artsakh. Mirzoyan added that the international community proved unable to prevent Azerbaijan’s unjustified use of force against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, which resulted in thousands of dead, wounded and a new wave of displacement.
Mirzoyan noted that the issue of the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh is still to be addressed, adding that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh should be able to live in dignity and peace in their own homeland. “Moreover, the international humanitarian bodies, including those of the United Nations, are still unable to provide much needed aid to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, essentially leaving them behind, in stark contrast to the global pledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” he said.
Speaking about the current humanitarian crisis as a result of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Mirzoyan said “Ironically, not only international humanitarian organizations, but even people living in Nagorno Karabakh are denied access. It is already the third day that Azerbaijan, grossly violating its international obligations, has blocked the movement through the Lachin Corridor – the only lifeline of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is now essentially cut off from Armenia and the outside world. As we speak, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have been deprived of the right to free movement: mothers are separated from their children, terminally ill people can’t get medical supplies and help. Even worse, in freezing winter conditions, the gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh has been severed by Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh, dear colleagues, is facing the imminent threat of food, energy and overall humanitarian crisis which if not addressed urgently will lead into a catastrophe.”
Foreign Minister Mirzoyan added that in such conditions, the leadership of Azerbaijan claims that they are ready to provide rights and security guarantees for Armenians and that no international mechanism or presence is required. “What we have at hand is illustrative of how they imagine these guarantees,” he noted, adding that along with Azerbaijan’s refusal to hold dialogue with Stepanakert on their rights and security, this position testifies to the fact that Baku continues pursuing a genocidal policy towards the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Mirzoyan also spoke about the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process, stating that Baku refuses to fulfill its obligations in refusing to return the Armenian POWs, as well as to withdraw from Armenia’s sovereign territory.
10 p.m.: UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty tweeted: “Blocking the Lachin Corridor and disrupting gas supplies in winter risks severe humanitarian consequences. The UK counts on both Azerbaijan and Armenia to abide by all ceasefire commitments. A lasting settlement can only be reached through peaceful, diplomatic means.”
8:55 p.m.: The Office of Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Matters reported that, Armenia, in accordance with the Statute of the International Court of Justice has informed the Court about the blockade of the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor by Azerbaijan and the violation of the rights of the Artsakh population.
At the same time, Armenia has applied to the European Court of Human Rights requesting ECtHR to indicate interim measures against Azerbaijan and obligate Azerbaijan to unblock the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor.
8:40 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Canada tweeted that Canada is closely following the closure of the Lachin Corridor. The Foreign Ministry calls on Azerbaijan authorities to reopen the corridor and ensure freedom of movement to avoid any potential humanitarian impact.
6:47 p.m.: The Dutch Parliament adopted a resolution on the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, urging its government to call on the European Council to make a joint appeal to Azerbaijan to stop the hostile actions against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and open the corridor.
5:25 p.m.: Heads of Foreign Diplomatic Missions and representatives of international organizations accredited in Armenia were briefed about the ongoing situation on the Lachin Corridor.
Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan told the foreign diplomats that Azerbaijan grossly violates its international obligations with actions aimed at causing a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and proves that without an international mechanism, a real dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku is not possible. He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s actions undermine the efforts of the Armenian side to establish stability and peace in the region.
4 p.m.: According to the NKR InfoCenter, Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan signed a decree on a number of arrangements being carried out in the scope of martial law restrictions on the territory of the Artsakh Republic.
According to the decree, in order to ensure the normal life of the population of Artsakh and prevent possible threats conditioned by the situation created as a result of the blockade of the Stepanakert-Goris highway by Azerbaijan on December 12, 2022 and based on the law “On Legal Regime of Martial Law”, it was decided:
-To transfer special purpose objects for state and local self-government bodies, the defense system, normal functioning of the state and the economy to the regime of martial law.
-If necessary, to restrict the right of free movement in the territory of the Artsakh Republic, as well as to establish a special regime for leaving the specified territory.
-To carry out the protection of facilities that ensure the vital activity of the population, the activities of specially protected objects and transport, as well as those that pose the greatest threat to the life and health of the population and the environment.
-To restrict the right to freedom of assembly, to prohibit strikes and other events that suspend or terminate the activities of organizations, if necessary, to suspend the activities of organizations that carry out propaganda and other activities directed against the defense capability and security of the Artsakh Republic, in the manner prescribed by law.
-To establish an Operational Headquarter for ensuring the realization of the arrangements stipulated by this decree and application of temporary restrictions of rights and freedom.
-To appoint Artsakh Republic State Minister Ruben Vardanyan Head of the Operational Headquarter.
-To establish that the instructions of the Head of the Operational Headquarter arising from this decree are binding on state and local self-government bodies, as well as individuals and legal entities.
-To instruct the Government of the Artsakh Republic to establish a special procedure for the sale, purchase and circulation of food, medicine, and essential goods immediately after this decree enters into force.
3:48 p.m.: The Armenian Parliament adopted a statement regarding the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the disruption of the gas supply to Artsakh, calling on Russia to take necessary measures to ensure that the provisions of the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement are implemented in the zone of responsibility of the Russian Peacekeeping mission.
The parliament calls on the international community to strongly and directly condemn the actions of Azerbaijan and take measures to prevent the unfolding of a humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the statement, under the current circumstances, it is necessary to launch or restore the international mechanisms for guaranteeing the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The parliament also called on the UN Security Council and OSCE Minsk Group to send a fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh to monitor the humanitarian situation on the ground.
3:20 p.m.: Javier Colomina, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and Special Representative for the Caucasus & Central Asia, tweeted his concern about the developments around the Lachin Corridor. According to Colomina, it’s key to guarantee the freedom of movement and address humanitarian issues. NATO urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to act with restraint, avoid further escalation and fully engage in negotiations.
3 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Cyprus calls on Azerbaijan to immediately restore transportation through the Lachin Corridor and the gas supply to Artsakh to prevent the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region. 2:18 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Azerigas gas company announced that it has nothing to do with the disruption of gas supply to Artsakh. The company also stated that gas is supplied to Artsakh by Armenia adding that Artsakh is not integrated into the Azerbaijani gas supply infrastructure.
2 p.m.: The Human Rights Defenders of Armenia and Artsakh issued a joint statement, calling on the governments and international actors involved in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to use all possible diplomatic measures to stop the siege and blockade of Artsakh, restore the natural gas supply, and stop the impending humanitarian disaster and to guarantee the rights of the people living in Artsakh.
According to the statement, taking into consideration the previous incidents of the targeting and terrorizing of the civilian population, the analysis of all these facts since the beginning of December summarizes the goals of the Azerbaijani state policy: the depopulation of Artsakh of its native Armenian population and their extermination through a humanitarian crisis.
1:36 p.m.: Artsvik Minasyan, the Secretary of the “Armenia” Alliance parliamentary faction and member of the ARF, told reporters that the actions of the Russian peacekeepers on the Lachin Corridor are insufficient. According to him the peacekeepers must resort to stronger measures to solve the issue.
1:11 p.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister Ruben Vardanyan chaired a consultation in Stepanakert to discuss the situation resulting from Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor and stoppage of the natural gas supply. Vardanyan was briefed on the current situation regarding ensuring fuel provision and the steps to be implemented under gas, diesel and petrol shortage were discussed. It was underscored that the use of existing resources should be used as sparingly as possible. Vardanyan stressed the need to urgently develop procedures for providing fuel to essential services. Authorities were tasked to offer alternative means to ensure uninterrupted operation of industrial plants. The accommodation and food provision issues for citizens of Artsakh who are currently in Armenia and unable to return home were also discussed and relevant instructions were issued.
Earlier in the morning Vardanyan went live to address the concerns of the public.
1:10 p.m.: The Human Rights Defenders of Armenia and Artsakh issued a joint statement that reads:
It has already been two days that the only road connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the world remains blocked. The movement of people and goods was deliberately and premeditatedly blocked; 120,000 children, older persons, women and men in Artsakh have found themselves in an existential trap.
As a direct result of the blockade of the movement, 1100 people, including more than 270 children, cannot return home. Patients in need of urgent medical care cannot be transported to Armenia for professional care. The supply of food and medical supplies has stopped.
The right to life, health, an adequate standard of living, freedom of movement, education, and other fundamental rights of 120.000 persons are endangered.
Yesterday, at 18:00, the Azerbaijani side also cut the natural gas supply to Artsakh in these severe winter conditions, applying the same methods they used in march to create a humanitarian crisis. People are deprived of heating, and hot water; medical institutions cannot provide primary medical care, and the educational process in the educational institutions of Artsakh has been stopped.
To “guarantee” the freedom of assembly of Azerbaijani “environmentalists” who blocked the vital road, new groups of “activists” in civilian clothes are being transported to the place where the “protest” is held by the Azerbaijani side. Moreover, there is undeniable proof that there are servicemen of the Azerbaijani special service among the people who have blocked the road. The majority of the participants of the “protest” are representatives of non-governmental organizations who are exclusively financed by the Azerbaijani state.
In parallel, the propaganda of Armenophobia is achieving its purposes, maintaining the level of hatred of ethnic Armenians by the Azerbaijani society. Through the Azerbaijani mass media and social media platforms, the state propaganda machine is fueling hatred and anger of the Azerbaijani public, against the Russian peacekeeping contingent.
Taking into consideration the previous incidents of the targeting and terrorizing of the civilian population, the analysis of all these facts since the beginning of December summarizes the goals of the Azerbaijani state policy: the depopulation of Artsakh of its native Armenian population and their extermination through a humanitarian crisis.
To prevent a new genocide in these conditions, we call upon the governments and international actors involved in the resolution of the conflict to use all possible diplomatic measures to stop the siege and blockade of Artsakh, restore the natural gas supply, and stop the impending humanitarian disaster and to guarantee the rights of the people living in Artsakh.
12:40 p.m.: The Armenian Apostolic Church has issued a statement condemning Azerbaijan’s actions on the Lachin Corridor. Catholicos Karekin II has appealed to sister churches, international and inter-church organizations to counter Azerbaijani actions. The Church expects “proper assessment” by the international community and calls on Allahshukur Pashazadeh, the Grand Mufti of the Caucasus and Azerbaijan’s chief cleric, to prevent provocations by Azerbaijan.
12:22 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, the advisor to the State Minister of Artsakh has announced that he will be staging a sit-in in front of the UN office in Yerevan and issued the following statement:
We are starting an indefinite sit-in and movement in Yerevan, at this stage in front of the UN office, with the following demands:
- UN bodies should condemn Azerbaijan’s genocidal actions and blockade against the people of Artsakh.
- The UN Security Council should address the issue of ensuring the security of the people of Artsakh by providing clear international guarantees.
- At least the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (US, Russia, France, Great Britain and China) and the European Union must condemn Azerbaijan’s actions and take practical measures to rein in Azerbaijan.
I call on the society of Armenia:
- To get out of the stupor of indifference and helplessness, everyone contributes in their own way to the holy work of protecting Artsakh and guaranteeing the Armenian future.
- To put pressure on the embassies of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in particular by various public actions, demanding clear actions, both individually and in the UN format;
- To speak and write in all possible places about the importance and current need of Artsakh, both in Armenian and in foreign languages.
- Whoever can join the sit-in or other protest actions, let them join, because our compatriots of Artsakh are suffering much greater deprivations now.
I call on our compatriots in the Diaspora:
- Organize acts of public disobedience in their countries, demanding practical steps from their governments to protect Artsakh and curb Azerbaijan.
- Launch awareness campaigns aimed at presenting the needs of the Armenians of Artsakh and Azerbaijani crimes to foreign societies and media.
Artsakh is the steadfast value for all Armenians, and this struggle belongs to all of us.
At 3 p.m. I am holding a press conference in front of the UN office. I will introduce the rest then.
12:22 p.m.: Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh tweeted: The false “goodwill” of Azerbaijan has no limits. Blocking 120,000 people and offering medical assistance reminds how 42 elderly and people with mental health problems were killed by Azerbaijanis in their homes in Hadrut, Shushi, and other occupied communities after the 2020 Artsakh War.
11:30 a.m.: Andranik Kocharyan, the Chair of the Parliamentary Commission on Defense and Security sent a letter to his counterparts in the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO, informing them about the “ongoing war by Azerbaijan against the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.”
In the letter, Kocharyan notes that the blockade of the Lachin Corridor is a manifestation of Azerbaijan’s genocidal policy against Artsakh, calling for his NATO counterparts to raise their voices and “assist the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in safeguarding their right to life.”
11:23 a.m.: NKR InfoCenter reports that due to the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the shutting off of the natural gas supply, there is a shortage of all kinds of fuel in Artsakh. The authorities have asked businesses to “switch to a saving mode.” Priority will be given to ambulances, public transportation and security services.
11:12 a.m.: An open-source investigation by CivilNet found that many of the “eco-activists” blocking the highway are affiliated with and/or funded by the Azerbaijani government.
11 a.m.: The U.S. Embassy in Baku issued a statement, noting that the closure of the Lachin Corridor has serious humanitarian effects and prolongs the peace process. “We urge the Azerbaijani government to restore free movement along the corridor. The way to the future is through negotiations,” the statement says.
10:30 a.m.: The French Foreign Ministry called for the unblocking of the Lachin Corridor without any conditions and to respect the rights of the Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh. The French Foreign Ministry also reminded that with the November 9, 2020 trilateral ceasefire statement Azerbaijan committed to ensuring the free movement of people, transport and goods through the Lachin Corridor.
5:30 a.m.: U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a press briefing: “I want to be especially clear that any disruption to energy infrastructure could precipitate a humanitarian crisis, especially as we’re entering the winter months. If deliberate, it’s unacceptable to target the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
1:09 a.m.: The Co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Gus M. Bilirakis, Jackie Speier, David G. Valadao, and Adam B. Schiff issued a statement condemning Azerbaijan’s “aggressive actions”.
“It is disturbing that the only time the people of Azerbaijan are allowed to freely protest is when it threatens the lives of Armenians. Their blockade of the Lachin Corridor appears coordinated and intended to shut off the only remaining supply route for much of Artsakh’s food, medical supplies and transport, and other essential goods, not to mention further restrict the people of Artsakh’s freedom of movement,” reads the statement. The Congressmen said that shutting down vital lifelines by Azerbaijan is “weaponizing critical infrastructure and manufacturing a humanitarian crisis for Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh.” They call on the U.S. and European partners to “use every diplomatic tool at their disposal to halt this clearly fabricated crisis created by Azerbaijan.”
December 13, 2022
11:50 p.m.: U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price tweeted: “Closure of the Lachin Corridor has severe humanitarian implications and sets back the peace process. We call on the government of Azerbaijan to restore free movement through the corridor. The way forward is through negotiations.”
10:05 p.m.: NKR InfoCenter says fuel and food reserves are sufficient in Artsakh. The authorities are “monitoring the food supply process” and working to prevent unreasonable inflation.
9:40 p.m.: Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev told ambassadors and military attaches in Baku that “illegal exploitation of mineral deposits” in Nagorno-Karabakh must stop and environmental monitoring must be ensured. He stated that the “peaceful protest” on the Stepanakert-Goris highway near Shushi and “justified claims of Azerbaijani civil society must be respected.” He claimed the road is not blocked by the “protesters,” except for trucks supposedly carrying mineral deposits. “All civilian transport vehicles can move freely,” he falsely insisted.
8:50 p.m.: NKR InfoCenter states: Due to Azerbaijan blocking the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outer world, 1,100 civilians, 270 of whom are minors, are unable to return to their homes. Thanks to the cooperation between the Artsakh Government, the Syunik regional administration and the Goris Municipality, they have taken shelter in the Syunik Region; some took shelter in the villages of the Berdadzor sub-region of the Shushi region. The officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs serving the area are in constant contact with the citizens. With this kind of provocation, Azerbaijan continues to violate the rights of free movement, proper medical assistance and other humanitarian rights of thousands of citizens.
8:11 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports informs that due to the disruption of the only pipeline supplying natural gas to Artsakh by Azerbaijan, classes in educational institutions that are heated with gas will be temporarily suspended from December 14. Additional information will be provided regarding the resumption of classes. All schools heated with wood or electricity will continue classes.
8:08 p.m.: Artsakh’s Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan said that schools in Artsakh will be closed tomorrow.
8 p.m.: Over 30 hours after the Azerbaijani “eco-activists” blocked the Lachin Corridor, the Russian Defense Minister also responded to the incident in its daily communique regarding the peacekeeping mission in Artsakh, stating that the command of the peacekeeping forces is negotiating with the Azerbaijani side to restore transportation through the corridor.
7 p.m.: The NKR InfoCenter reports that Azerbaijan has suspended the natural gas supply to Artsakh. The suspension of the fuel supply under such weather conditions is a humanitarian and economic terrorism, which Azerbaijan is consistently carrying out against the civilian population of Artsakh.
6:53 p.m.: Artsakh human rights defender Gegham Stepanyan says Azerbaijan has cut off the gas supply in the entire territory of Artsakh.
6:50 p.m.: Davit Babayan, acting Foreign Minister of Artsakh, sent a letter to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić related to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, resulting in a humanitarian disaster in Artsakh.
The letter reads that Azerbaijan has violated the fundamental rights of some 120,000 individuals residing in Nagorno-Karabakh, among them children, elderly, persons with disabilities, and women.
The document stresses that Azerbaijan fails to respect the provisions of the European Convention of Human Rights, whose protection also extends to those living in conflict areas, guarantees protection of the right to live, right to freedom of movement and right to security, among others.
In this context, it calls to:
– swiftly and decisively employ the full arsenal of Council of Europe’s instruments to urgently lift Azerbaijan’s illegal and inhuman blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh’s population;
– dispatch an urgent Council of Europe monitoring mission to the area to prevent further violations of the Convention;
– suspend Azerbaijan’s rights of representation in the organization, due to Azerbaijan’s serious violation of Article 3 of the Statute of the Council of Europe.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Commissioner for Human Rights, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Babayan has been unable to return to Stepanakert because of the ongoing blockade of the Corridor.
6:50 p.m.: Hikmet Hajiyev, the Advisor to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps that Baku sent letters to Russian peacekeepers and that they are in touch with their commander.
“Everyone is well aware that during the years of occupation and in the period after the liberation of territories from occupation, issues related to the sovereignty of Azerbaijan cause serious concern in our society. Therefore, Azerbaijani civil society activists, representatives of non-governmental organizations, other activists and groups gathered at the intersection of the Shusha-Khankendi-Lachin road and expressed their protest,” Hajiyev said, adding that the so-called activists demand an end to environmental terrorism in Nagorno-Karabakh.
6:49 p.m.: President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan tweeted: “By blocking the Lachin Corridor over 120,000 kids, elderly, women and men are deprived from vital access to Armenia and the rest of the world. The second day of yet another challenge to the Artsakhi People, facing existential threat. The international community’s urgent and targeted reaction is a must!”
6:49 p.m.: President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan said in parliament that he expects the Russian peacekeepers to “make more practical steps.” He said he expects that France will “use its channels” as well.
6:45 p.m.: Artsakh’s acting Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, Human Rights Defender (HRD) Gegham Stepanyan, the advisor of the State Minister Artak Beglaryan and Artsakh’s Permanent Representative in Armenia Sergei Ghazaryan held a press conference in Yerevan. During the press conference, Gegham Stepanyan noted that the HRD office received an alert that medical supplies available in medical centers may be enough for several days only, and Artsakh may face serious problems. He added that the same goes for food and fuel supplies.
According to the HRD, the people blocking the road are not environmental activists, and there are reports that they are directed by the authorities, there are also representatives of special forces among them.
Davit Babayan noted that the Russian peacekeepers are authorized to carry out only a peacekeeping mission in Artsakh, thereby they cannot use force. He added that it was proposed to the Russian side several times to increase the number of peacekeepers, because 1,980 people are not enough.
“Only two or three Russian peacekeepers stood against this Azerbaijani invasion. We have proposed that the peacekeeping mission be given an international mandate that would add legitimacy and prevent similar provocations,” Babayan said.
According to Artak Beglaryan, Azerbaijan’s excuse for closing the only road connecting Artsakh with the world is not valid. He noted that not only does the Kashen copper and molybdenum mine comply with all environmental standards, it is located 20 km from the nearest Azerbaijani settlement and there are no water resources nearby.
1:10 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Health announced that as a result of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the transfer of patients with serious health problems to Yerevan remains impossible. The Healthy Ministry said that it is making all possible efforts to provide them with professional care, while keeping in touch with medical specialists in Yerevan. There is currently no shortage of medicines and medical supplies for first aid, however, the supply of medicine and medical supplies has become impossible.
1:10 p.m.: Peter Stano, the spokesperson of external affairs for the EU, issued a statement saying that the European Union has been following with serious concern the various developments around the Lachin corridor since the beginning of December: “The EU calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure freedom and security of movement along the corridor, in line with the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020. Restrictions to such freedom of movement cause significant distress to the local population and create humanitarian concerns. Other concerns can and should be addressed through dialogue and consultations with the parties involved. The EU reiterates its call for restraint and stands ready to contribute to the above-mentioned efforts.”
1:07 p.m.: The Parliament of Artsakh issued the following statement on the prevention of the threats of a humanitarian disaster of the people of the Republic of Artsakh:
“Yesterday, December 12, a group of so-called environmentalists and journalists, violating all norms of international law, as well as the provisions of the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020 on the cessation of all military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, closed the Stepanakert-Goris highway again, which is ongoing until now. These provocative actions, directly organized by official Baku, are aimed at the implementation of the elaborate plans to depopulate Artsakh, to forcefully include it in its composition. After November 9, 2020, Azerbaijan, ignoring the signed Tripartite Declaration, having illegally occupied many territories of the Republic of Artsakh, regularly shells Armenian settlements, kills and terrorizes civilians, disrupting their normal life in every possible way. Claims and actions of environmentalists have no substantiated justifications, because no recorded environmental threat to the neighboring territories of Azerbaijan and the population living there have been recorded over the previous 30 years, which speaks of the Republic of Artsakh as a responsible entity that respects the norms of international law.
“The National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh states, that this course of action of the military and political authorities of Azerbaijan is a gross violation of the reached agreements, international obligations, principles and norms of international law, which threatens Artsakh with a humanitarian crisis, bringing our entire people to the brink of genocide.
“The authorities of the Republic of Armenia are obliged to take objective and effective steps in order to restore the uninterrupted land connection between the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia as well as to protect the rights of citizens of the Republic of Artsakh.
“We expect from the Russian Federation, as a participant in the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020 and guarantor of peace and stability in the region, to take immediate action to curb Azerbaijan’s extremist ambitions. Otherwise, we will face the question of the right of Artsakh Armenians to exist and live in their native land as well as the authority of the Russian peacekeeping mission.
“We call on international organizations and UN member states to condemn the genocidal policy of Azerbaijan, to urgently convene a session of the UN Security Council and apply practical steps in order to prevent it.
“We are appealing to our compatriots in Armenia and the Diaspora to use all opportunities to speak on different platforms about the humanitarian disaster created by Azerbaijan in Artsakh, to stand up for the protection of the rights of Artsakh Armenians and to be ready to take necessary actions accordingly.
“Dear compatriots, our fight is continuous and the will to live in the native land – unbreakable.”
12:20 p.m.: A security council session was held in Yerevan, chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. In addition to the members of the Security Council, President Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan, the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, the head of the National Assembly Civil Contract faction Hayk Konjoryan also participated in the meeting. The developments taking place in the region were discussed, in particular, the situation on the Lachin Corridor.
11:30 a.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Armenia issued the following statement regarding the closure of the Lachin Corridor:
“In the morning of December 12, 2022, a group from the Republic of Azerbaijan, presenting themselves as environmental activists, set up tents near Shushi, blocking the normal and unhindered movement in the Lachin Corridor, which was created by the trilateral statement of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President of the Russian Federation on November 9, 2020, in order to ensure the connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia.
“The propagandistic preparations for closing the Lachin Corridor started months ago and it is obvious that this provocation was organized by the state bodies of Azerbaijan, aiming to cut off Nagorno-Karabakh from the Republic of Armenia and thus from the outside world.
“As a result of this operation, the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh have been deprived of the right to free movement, Nagorno-Karabakh is facing the imminent threat of a food and humanitarian crisis.
“The unfolding situation is in direct contrast with point 6 of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, according to which:
- a) the Lachin Corridor shall remain under the control of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation,
- b) the Republic of Azerbaijan shall guarantee safe movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo in both directions along the Lachin corridor.
“Therefore, Azerbaijan grossly violates the international obligation assumed by it. This behavior of Azerbaijan not only demonstrates its lack of intention to address the issues of the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and to hold a dialogue with Stepanakert for this purpose, but also once again testifies to the fact that official Baku continues pursuing the policy of ethnic cleansing towards Nagorno-Karabakh.
“The blockade of the Lachin Corridor is the practical manifestation of many alarms that Azerbaijan has adopted a policy of genocide against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. The regular violations of the ceasefire regime and the provocations by the Azerbaijani armed forces on the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh make the existential threat to Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh more tangible.
“We underscore that international commitments, including the strict fulfillment of the commitments undertaken by the Trilateral Statement of November 9, the refusal of the use of force or the threat of the use of force, the strict observance of the ceasefire regime, the ensuring of uninterrupted movement in the Lachin Corridor under the supervision of Russian peacekeepers are of key importance for the political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the region, and for the peaceful coexistence of peoples.
“We call the urgent attention of the entire international community, including the UN Security Council, OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing and member states, that Azerbaijan’s actions may lead to a large-scale humanitarian disaster. We emphasize the necessity of launching or restarting the international mechanisms for ensuring the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, and for this purpose we shall soon start consultations with international partners.”
10:30 a.m: During the Security Council Session in Artsakh it was decided to send a letter to the command of the Russian peacekeeping mission calling the closure of the corridor inadmissible, which will lead to a humanitarian disaster. The military-political situation created as a result of the blockade of the corridor connecting Artsakh to the outside world by Azerbaijan was discussed.
It was underscored that the uninterrupted operation of the corridor is guaranteed by the November 9, 2020 tripartite statement, the provisions of which are once again violated by the Azerbaijani side.
President Arayik Harutyunyan emphasized that the authorities are taking all measures possible to solve the issues related to ensuring security and normal functioning of daily life of the population.
9:12 a.m.: CivilNet wrote that on July 5, 2022 the Azerbaijani government had approved Anglo Asian Mining’s acquisition of three new mining licenses, including the Kashen mine, known in Azerbaijani as Demirli, and which is located in Nagorno-Karabakh’s Martakert region. An Azerbaijani group of so-called observers had attempted to approach the mine on December 10. John H. Sununu, former Governor of New Hampshire and White House Chief of Staff under President George H. W. Bush controls 9.4% of its shares. Anglo Asian notes on its website that Russian peacekeepers are currently deployed in the area and the Azerbaijani government “will use all its reasonable endeavors to ensure that the Company has physical access to the region to undertake mineral exploration.”
December 12, 2022
11:14 p.m.: Ned Price, the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department said during a press briefing that Washington has been following the situation and has consistently focused on this challenge, on the need to de-escalate tensions, on the need to set Armenia and Azerbaijan on the path to a lasting, comprehensive settlement. According to Price, Philip Reeker, the U.S. senior advisor for the South Caucasus, has been actively engaged with officials in both countries to see to it that Washington is doing everything they can and, most importantly, that these two countries are doing everything they can to see to it that these tensions are de-escalated.
6:12 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh issued the following statement:
“Today, Azerbaijan has once again resorted to provocative actions, blocking the Goris-Stepanakert highway in the Shushi section.
“This is another manifestation of Baku’s genocidal policy, a destructive and criminal act aimed at terrorizing the people of Artsakh, creating an atmosphere of instability in the region and hindering the activities of the Russian peacekeeping mission.
“As usual, Azerbaijan displays an absolutely disrespectful and inconsistent attitude towards its obligations assumed by the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, in particular, it does not guarantee the secure movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo in both directions through the Lachin Corridor.
“The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh strongly condemns the actions of official Baku and calls on the international community to take practical steps to put an end to Azerbaijan’s ambitions towards the sovereign territories of Artsakh and to provide appropriate conditions for the realization of the fundamental rights of Artsakh Armenians.”
5:19 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. They discussed issues related to resolving the situation on the Lachin Corridor. Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted communication between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and the implementation of consistent steps by the Russian peacekeeping mission in that direction. Pashinyan and Putin also discussed the process of unblocking the regional infrastructure, as well as the implementation of the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021 and October 31, 2022.
3:57 p.m.: The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan wrote the following statement:
“Today, Azerbaijan has once again closed the only road connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the outside world under fake environmental pretexts. This provocation is yet another manifestation of the systematic and government-led policy of Azerbaijan, the ultimate goal of which is the total expulsion of the Armenian native population from Artsakh. By this action, Azerbaijan deliberately undermines any conception of peace in our region by openly neglecting the rights of 120,000 Armenians of Artsakh and intentionally disrupting their normal life.
“On December 12, 2022, at around 10:30, a group of alleged Azerbaijani environmentalists and journalists blocked the Stepanakert-Goris Highway on the Shushi section in both directions. The closure of the Lachin corridor by the Azerbaijani side is a rude violation of the Trilateral Statement on ceasefire of November 9, 2020. By this action Azerbaijan blatantly violates the fundamental rights of the Artsakh population, most importantly, their freedom of movement, for which it is criminally responsible. Hundreds of vehicles, including humanitarian, medical and food supplies, are stuck on the Highway for more than five hours now in harsh winter conditions. This critical situation is fraught with irreversible humanitarian consequences for the whole population of Artsakh.
“Paradoxically, the Azerbaijani environmentalist community was silent, when Azerbaijan was using white phosphorus ammunition, prohibited under the international humanitarian law, against the peaceful settlements of Artsakh during the 2020 war. The usage of phosphorus ammunition by Azerbaijan, recently confirmed by an independent investigation, also caused severe damage to the natural environment of Artsakh, which the Azerbaijani side is now, all of the sudden, preoccupied about. Thus, the intentions of this fabricated environmental campaign are highly questionable and totally provocative, as it is aimed at terrorizing the Armenians of Artsakh – both psychologically and physically – and making them leave their own land.
“The protection of the rights of Artsakh people is not solely the responsibility of several international actors, but it is the obligation of the entire international community, which champions human rights worldwide. Therefore, the international community must take a clear stance and immediate action to condemn and prevent this provocative line led by Azerbaijan. Otherwise, the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh Armenians will be an inevitable reality, bringing humanity to yet another humanitarian failure.”
3:50 p.m.: The parliamentary factions of the Parliament of Artsakh issued a statement, noting that: Azerbaijanis who have used phosphorus bombs against the civilian population of Artsakh, blocked the Stepanakert-Goris highway for the second time under an environmental pretext. That is the road, which received the status of a corridor by the tripartite agreement of November 9, 2020.
We strongly condemn the provocative actions organized by the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan, which are aimed at destabilizing the situation in the region.
We appeal to the citizens of the Republic of Artsakh to exercise restraint and be alert in order to jointly prevent any provocative actions of Azerbaijanis jointly. Our people who have overcome many difficulties during their struggle for survival, this time also will confront current and future challenges.
We call on the international community to take concrete steps to curb Azerbaijan’s aggressive ambitions.
We urge the Russian peacekeepers, within the framework of the tripartite agreement, to prevent similar anti-human actions of Azerbaijanis with the most severe measures.
3:37 p.m.: Advisor to the State Minister of Artsakh, Artak Beglaryan wrote the following statement on Facebook: “Azerbaijan continues to block the only Artsakh-Armenia road for five hours. Azerbaijani special forces are committing crimes under the name of Aliyev and Azerbaijan disguised as ‘civilians’ and ‘eco-activists’. With this action Azebaijan is trying to create a humanitarian disaster in Artsakh, to terrorize the 120,000 strong population of Artsakh which is in a complete blockade, as well as to discredit the Russian peacekeeping mission. The Azerbaijani side is strongly mistaken if it thinks that Artsakh will go to any compromises because of this pressure. Our determination to live in our own homeland and be in charge of our own destiny is unbreakable.”
1:36 p.m.: Artsakh’s president, Arayik Harutunyan made the following statement:
It’s the second time Azerbaijan blocks the only highway connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outer world for false and fictitious reasons.
First of all, such an aggressive behaviour of Azerbaijan by means of which it terrorizes our citizens and jeopardizes our vital rights and interests, is extremely unacceptable for us. This is an unprecedented challenge for our state and people and I call upon our society to consolidate and stay calm as one of the goals of the Azerbaijani authorities is to incite internal dissidence and panic in Artsakh.
The authorities and people of Artsakh have precise values, principles and red lines, for the protection of which we exert and will continue to exert all the efforts possible, which are sometimes invisible.
We are sure that the Russian peacekeeping troops, as a guarantor of the security of our people and the road, will apply all the mechanisms to prevent such provocations and violations of agreements directed against the vital rights and interests of our people.
Other actors of the international community also have important work to do as the actions of the Azerbaijani side grossly violate the well-known norms of the international law, while Azerbaijan strives for ethnic cleansing and expatriation of Artsakh’s population.
Artsakh has been and will remain Armenian through our united and determined efforts notwithstanding all the challenges.
10:30 a.m.: This morning at 10:30 a.m., a group of Azerbaijanis claiming to be environmentalists once again blocked the only highway linking Armenia with Artsakh near the Shushi-Karin Tak intersection. According to the NKR Infocenter, the command of the Russian Peacekeeping contingent has been informed about the incident. A similar incident happened on December 3 when Azerbaijanis in civilian clothing shut down the highway, which opened three hours later following negotiations with the Russian peacekeepers.
What can you say to inhuman people. This Aliyev is not mentally well. The same goes for Er-Dog-an.
It’s now a *Russian* blockade of Artsakh even if it may have started out as an Azeri blockade.
The Russian 2000 “peacekeeepers” could move the Azeri demonstrators off the road in less than a minute but instead are *enforcing* the blockade.
Russia is holding Artsakh hostage in order to pressure Armenia into obeying Moscow 100%.
It’s the same reason Russia and the CSTO are not doing anything to stop the Azeri occupation of southern Armenia.
Putin is engaged in a war against Armenia. It’s as simple as that.
The Armenian people have to know and tell the truth about Russia (this is long overdue) just as they have to know and tell the truth about genocidal Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the pro-Turkish, pro-Azeri, immoral Western powers.
It’s embarrassing to have to point out such obvious things.