Tuesday, September 19 2023 10:40

ArmInfo.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nagorno- Karabakh issued a statement on the  delivery of humanitarian assistance. 

"On 18 September 2023, around 28 tons of humanitarian aid, comprising  wheat flour, medical supplies and hygiene items, were transported to  Artsakh through the Lachin Corridor and the Akna (Agdam) -  Stepanakert road, using vehicles of the International Committee of  the Red Cross. This humanitarian mission has been the result of  extensive talks involving the International Committee of the Red  Cross, the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Artsakh and  international mediators, and was undertaken in response to the  extremely critical humanitarian situation brought about by the  complete blockade imposed by Azerbaijan.

"At the same time, it is important to emphasise that Artsakh  continues to remain under siege, being deprived of essential gas and  electricity supplies from Armenia and the ability to sustain the  normal way of life of its population. It should be also stressed  that, without reliable and regular deliveries of food and essential  supplies, it is impossible to address the escalating humanitarian  catastrophe. This humanitarian cargo delivery, amounting to less than  7% of the daily 400-ton import of goods to Artsakh before the  blockade, falls significantly short of replacing the regular  commercial deliveries, both in terms of volume and the diversity of  essential goods needed to sustain a normal way of life and support  the natural development of Artsakh.

"Once again, we emphasise that international actors involved in the  resolution of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict must ensure the  complete reinstatement of the operation of the Lachin Corridor,  ensuring the free, safe and unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles  and cargo in both directions, in line with the Trilateral Statement  of 9 November 2020 and the Orders of the International Court of  Justice. Only in this case can we talk about the end of the blockade  and the subsequent restoration of normal life conditions, enabling  the full realisation of the individual and collective rights of the  people of Artsakh, including their fundamental right to freedom of  movement, access to healthcare, education and development. We remain  hopeful that the collective diplomatic efforts of all involved  parties will lead to the attainment of this paramount and pivotal  objective.