UK says ICJ order to unblock Karabakh is crucial

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences for the local population in Nagorno-Karabakh, particularly with regard to the supply of medicine, health care, and other essential goods and services, UK’s Ambassador to the OSCE Neil Holland has said.

Holland made the remarks at a discussion on the ongoing disruption to Lachin corridor and humanitarian consequences in Nagorno-karabakh.

“It is therefore crucial that the ICJ Order of February 2023 is respected to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions,” Holland said in his statement.

“The UK also strongly urges all parties to allow the ICRC access along all available routes – such as via the Aghdam road – for the organisation to be able to undertake its vital work. All parties must refrain from the further politicisation of humanitarian aid in order to meet the needs of the civilian population.”

Holland noted with concern the heightened tensions following a recent increase in border violations and military manoeuvres “on both sides”.

“We are clear that there is no military solution to this conflict and urge both sides to redouble their efforts to make progress in internationally mediated negotiations, including by making provisions to protect the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh,” the ambassador said.

“It is only through diplomacy and in line with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act that we will see a lasting resolution to this conflict and an historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

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