The International Court of Justice on Feb. 22

Baku Says ICJ Ruling Justifies Illegal Checkpoint at Lachin Corridor

The International Court of Justice reaffirmed its February 22 ruling, in which it ordered Azerbaijan to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.”

The Friday ruling was in response to Armenia’s application regarding the illegal checkpoint Azerbaijan installed at the Lachin Corridor in April.

The ICJ said that at this moment it did need to amend its February 22 ruling.

The United States, European Union and Russia have all spoken out against the blockade and urged Baku to comply with the ICJ ruling. Yet Azerbaijan’s leadership not only has not heeded those calls, it has complicated matters by escalating the blockade, leaving the Artsakh population on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, which its authorities say is part of a systematic plan to ethnically cleanse the Armenian population there.

Baku on Friday reacted by welcoming the ICJ decision and declaring that the court opting not to issue a new ruling confirmed Azerbaijan’s right to control its “sovereign rights,” seemingly giving Baku the green light to tighten the blockade of Artsakh.

“We welcome the court’s ruling that has reconfirmed Azerbaijan’s right to control its borders, and that Armenia’s request on removal of the Checkpoint was unfounded. Thus, misinterpretation by the Armenian side of the latest decision is nothing more than a desperate attempt,” said a statement issued by Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry.

“Azerbaijan’s decision to establish its border checkpoint at the entrance of the Lachin road was in keeping with its sovereign rights to secure its border. (…) Azerbaijan (…) will continue to hold Armenia accountable for its ongoing and historic grave violations of international law,” the statement added.