January 17, 2023 - 13:46 AMT
Armenia raises need for UN fact-finding mission in Karabakh

On January 16, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a phone conversation with António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General to discuss the recent developments in the region.

Mirzoyan briefed Guterres on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blockade of Lachin Corridor, particularly stressing the need for a targeted response and efficient steps by international institutions, particularly, the United Nations. Minister Mirzoyan underlined that Azerbaijan grossly violates the provisions of the November 9 Trilateral Statement and the principles of international humanitarian law.

Under these circumstances, the Armenian side 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.

Since December 12, the sole road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia - the Lachin Corridor - has been blocked by self-described Azerbaijani environmentalists. Karabakh residents have reported food and fuel shortages, while hospital patients don't have access to essential medicines, with only a handful allowed transfer to facilities in Armenia proper.