Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but run by ethnic Armenian authorities, is at the center of a tense stand-off, with Azerbaijan restricting movement along the only road to it from Armenia to thwart what it says is arms smuggling.
Armenia says that the blockade of the “Lachin corridor”, known as “the road of life” by ethnic Armenians in Karabakh, has caused acute shortages of food, medicines, and other essentials.
Baku says it has let the Red Cross evacuate people to Armenia for medical treatment and that its own information shows there is no shortage of basic food staples, but it has not allowed food and other supplies in for some time.
Azeri people optimistic
Meanwhile, Azeri citizens want their army to win the conflict with Armenia and for the conflict to calm down as soon as possible.
“We will probably have martyrs again. It is very difficult for mothers. I have two sons who have reached military age. I hope it will be a victory and then everything calms down,” an Azeri citizen told Reuters.
“Pressures do not affect our nation. Because people have suffered a lot from this injustice. The army is with us. The people are with the army. I think everything will be fine. I look optimistically,” another Azeri citizen said.