10:11, 1 August 2023
YEREVAN, AUGUST 1, ARMENPRESS. The German government supports the EU’s efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the German foreign ministry told the Germany-based Haypress media outlet.
The German federal government maintains constant contact with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, the ministry added.
Haypress asked the German foreign ministry whether Germany was represented during the visit by the diplomatic corps to Kornidzor to inspect the blocked humanitarian convoy, and what actions has Germany taken in this direction.
“The federal government supports EU’s efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The federal government maintains permanent contact with representatives of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The German embassy in Yerevan maintains continuous contact with the government and civil society of Armenia, as well as the EU mission in Armenia. Regarding the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the embassy is regularly cooperating with the International Committee of the Red Cross, with Germany having the largest share in involving humanitarian assistance envisaged for Nagorno-Karabakh. Germany supports the decision of the International Court of Justice on the free movement of persons and goods along Lachin Corridor, through which the vital needs of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh should be guaranteed.”
Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – 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. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.
On July 26, Armenia sent a humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medication for Nagorno-Karabakh, but Azerbaijan blocked the trucks at the entrance of Lachin Corridor.
