The chairperson of the delegation of relations with the South Caucasus of the European Parliament, Marina Kalyurand, the permanent rapporteur on the issue of Armenia, Andrey Kovachev, and the permanent rapporteur on the subject of Azerbaijan, Zhelyana Zovko, issued a joint statement on the humanitarian severe situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“We are deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh due to the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor, in violation of the binding decisions of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6 of this year, which Azerbaijan took in its application of November 9, 2020.
For almost eight months, the population of Nagorno-Karabakh has been suffering the consequences of the blockade, surviving only on local production and supplies of vital humanitarian supplies, mainly by the Red Cross. In recent weeks, Azerbaijan’s closure of the Lachin Corridor to humanitarian supplies has also led to shortages of essential food, vital medical supplies, and other essential goods. At the same time, the lack of fuel has also disrupted the local production and distribution process. Medical evacuation by the Red Cross was also disrupted. About 120,000 residents of Nagorno-Karabakh are in a humanitarian crisis, which requires the international community’s urgent attention.
We fully support and join the EU High Representative Josep Borrell’s July 26, 2023 statement. We condemn the continued blockade of humanitarian supplies and the politicization of humanitarian access, further exacerbating the region’s already dire situation. Azerbaijan’s offer to provide humanitarian aid via the Aghdam route is separate from its obligations related to the Lachin Corridor, which must be respected. Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to enter the region, and any obstruction violates international humanitarian law. The opening of additional routes is only encouraged, but it is a separate issue that must be mutually agreed upon within the framework of direct negotiations between Baku and Stepanakert.
We fully support European Council President Charles Michel’s diplomatic efforts to find a sustainable and long-term solution to the region’s decades-long conflict and current crisis. In a recent meeting held in Brussels on July 15, 2023, the two sides agreed, among other pressing issues, to facilitate the access of humanitarian aid to the region to alleviate human suffering. Unfortunately, the continued blockade contradicts the goal of peace talks and much-needed confidence-building efforts.
We reaffirm the call of the European Parliament on February 15, 2023, to the European Council: “In case of immediate failure to comply with the decision of the International Court of Justice of February 22, 2023, to impose targeted sanctions against the officials of the Azerbaijani government.” We also remind you that during the plenary session of the European Parliament on June 13, 2023, the EU High Representative undertook to raise the issue of applying such sanctions in the Council. We reiterate our call to Baku to immediately end the blockade and respect international obligations and norms to prevent a humanitarian disaster,” the statement said.
