Armenia Accuses Azerbaijan of Blocking Humanitarian Aid to Nagorno-Karabakh
Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of obstructing the passage of crucial humanitarian aid to the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Calling on its international allies to pressure Azerbaijan, Armenia claims that the Lachin Corridor, which is the only road connecting Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, has been blocked.
According to reports, 19 trucks carrying 400 tons of aid have been stuck on the Lachin Corridor since July 26. This blockade is exacerbating food shortages and intensifying tensions between the two nations.
Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vahan Harutyunyan, has accused Azerbaijan of disregarding a ruling by the International Court of Justice concerning the Lachin Corridor. This dispute over the road has further strained relations between the two countries.
It is essential to understand the historical context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This region was under Soviet control until 1994 when it came under Armenian forces after years of fierce fighting. However, in 2020, Azerbaijan regained territory in a war that resulted in the deaths of 6,800 soldiers.
Under a ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia, transit along the Lachin Corridor was supposed to continue under the guarantee of Russian peacekeepers. However, trucks and foreign diplomats are reportedly stranded in the village of Kornidzor, located on Armenia’s border with Nagorno-Karabakh.
Azerbaijan perceives the presence of this convoy as a violation of its territorial integrity and accuses Armenia of smuggling weapons. The recent escalation follows talks in Brussels and Washington aimed at quelling tensions between the two nations.
It is worth noting that the Lachin Corridor has faced blockades before, with environmental protesters claiming ecological abuses by the Armenian side. This previous incident further complicated the already delicate situation surrounding the crucial road.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for both Armenia and Azerbaijan to prioritize the well-being of the people in Nagorno-Karabakh. The international community must exert pressure on Azerbaijan to allow the passage of urgently needed humanitarian aid and work towards a lasting resolution that ensures peace and stability in the region.
