Women of Karabakh urge EU’s Von der Leyen for help

PanARMENIAN.Net - The women of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) have written an open letter to the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, urging to do everything in her power to prevent Azerbaijan continuing with its blockade of Karabakh.

“Mrs. von der Leyen, last summer you signed an agreement on increasing gas supplies from Azerbaijan to the EU. The children of Europe will not freeze now, while our children cannot attend kindergartens and schools because we have no heating. Our doctors cannot perform surgeries and save lives. Our population of 120,000 people is held captive by [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev,” said the letter published on Change.org.

“Azerbaijan, at will, shuts off our gas and our electricity which are supplied by Armenia. Aliyev cuts our pipes and electricity wires. The Lachin corridor, our only connection to the world, has been blockaded by Azerbaijan since 12 December. Our children have been left without food, electricity, heating, access to medical supplies and treatment, opportunities to study and and their right to the future and to life.”

The letter said the people of Artsakh need urgent help

“We write to you as the most powerful woman in the world but also as a mother who loves her seven children and deeply cherishes her precious family. From the bottom of our hearts, we urge you to stand with the women and children of Artsakh and do everything in your power to prevent Azerbaijan continuing with its cruel blockade,” the women added.

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.