Prime Minister Pashinyan Accuses Azerbaijan of Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis during a regular Cabinet meeting.

During his address, Pashinyan emphasized the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, discussing the current humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. He asserted that Azerbaijan's ultimate objective is to forcibly displace the Armenian population of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) through tactics of ethnic cleansing.

Approximately 400 tons of humanitarian aid designated for Artsakh, contributed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the private sector, and France, remains stranded at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor due to Azerbaijan's blockade. This has further exacerbated the already tense humanitarian situation in Artsakh.

Pashinyan conveyed that despite the dire circumstances, there has been some limited movement of individuals in need of medical treatment and other essential services, facilitated by the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in Artsakh.

The Prime Minister also disclosed that there is credible information indicating Azerbaijan's unilateral plan to open the Lachin Corridor for exit from Artsakh, while preventing entry. He highlighted the predicament of Nagorno-Karabakh residents currently in Armenia, unable to return due to the Lachin Corridor's closure since December of the previous year.

Pashinyan drew attention to point 7 of the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020, which emphasizes the return of internally displaced persons and refugees to Artsakh under the supervision of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The Armenian leader contended that Azerbaijan's failure to adhere to this provision demonstrates a deliberate attempt to ethnically cleanse the Artsakh Armenians through various means, including starvation and military action.

Pashinyan further criticized Azerbaijan for impeding dialogue with Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh, by manipulating blame and responsibility. He reiterated the Republic of Armenia's unwavering stance that issues concerning the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh should be addressed through a Baku-Stepanakert dialogue within an international framework.

Pashinyan concluded his address by reaffirming Armenia's dedication to the pursuit of peace. He revealed that Armenia has submitted new proposals for a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, emphasizing a commitment to resolving the ongoing conflict through diplomatic means.