U.S. raises humanitarian implications of Karabakh corridor closure

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States is deeply concerned by the ongoing impediments to use of the Lachin Corridor and the growing humanitarian implications of this situation, Ambassador Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs told a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, December 20.

"Let me be clear: impediments to the use of the Lachin Corridor sets back the peace process. They undermine international confidence in this process. And they carry potential severe humanitarian implications," Wood said.

"We call on the government of Azerbaijan and others responsible for the Corridor’s security to restore free movement, including for humanitarian and commercial use, as soon as possible.

"We are encouraged by the restoration of gas supplies to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Any attempt to cut off services essential to the civilian population of Nagarno-Karabakh is unacceptable."

The diplomat said outstanding grievances between Armenia and Azerbaijan must be solved through peaceful negotiations. Negotiations are the only way to achieve lasting peace. The international community must do its part and remain engaged in efforts to diplomatically broker a lasting peace.

"As time has shown, there can be no one-sided or military solution to this conflict. Both parties must recommit to the diplomatic process and re-establish direct lines of communication across diplomatic channels. All parties must intensify their diplomatic engagement and make progress toward normalizing their relations through a comprehensive, sustainable peace agreement", he said.

"There must be a negotiated, comprehensive settlement of all remaining issues.

"The United States remains dedicated to a sustainable ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to this conflict. We remain actively engaged bilaterally, multilaterally, and with partners as we work toward that shared goal.

"We remain ready to facilitate dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan bilaterally, trilaterally, and in coordination with partners like the EU and OSCE, to achieve a long-term political settlement to the conflict, in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, as well as the Helsinki Final Act.

"I want to close by once against reaffirming the importance of a negotiated, comprehensive settlement of all remaining issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan."

For 10 days now, the key road has been blocked by Azerbaijanis who claim to be environmentalists. Azerbaijan had also deprived the people of Karabakh of gas supplies.