20:01, 24 August 2023
YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS. On August 24, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a phone conversation with Miroslav Wlachovský, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
Ararat Mirzoyan briefed his counterpart on the details of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and the severe conditions created for the 120,000 population due to Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, the foreign ministry said in a readout.
Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that supplies of food and medicine to Nagorno-Karabakh are not delivered even through the International Committee of the Red Cross, the functioning of which is also hindered by Azerbaijan. In this context, the Foreign Minister of Armenia recalled the case of abduction by the border guard service of Azerbaijan of Vagif Khachatryan, who was being transported from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for medical treatment on July 29, as a gross violation of international humanitarian law and an unacceptable step aimed at terrorizing the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized that Azerbaijan's pattern of behaviour, which continues despite the numerous appeals of international partners and two legally binding Orders of the UN International Court of Justice, is an open policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. The further prevention of such actions requires bolder positions and active steps from international actors.
It was highlighted that in the current situation, it is imperative to lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor in order to overcome the humanitarian crisis, noting that the further escalation of the situation by Azerbaijan may undermine the efforts aimed at establishing stability in the region.
During the phone call, the two Ministers stressed their readiness to effectively use the existing significant potential for the development of cooperation between the two countries.
