Asbarez: International Court of Justice Reaffirms Ordering Azerbaijan to Open Lachin Corridor

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.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS