“The security challenges resulting from Azerbaijan’s aggression against, and occupation of, the sovereign territory of Armenia in May and November of 2021 and September of 2022 after the 2020 war it unleashed against Nagorno Karabakh are not only disrupting the Armenian government’s efforts aimed at establishing peace, stability and security in South Caucasus, but are also threatening the Armenian democracy,” FM Mirzoyan said.

He reminded that in gross violation of the terms of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement and international humanitarian law, Azerbaijan is keeping the Lachin corridor blockaded for already two months, besieging 120,000 people of Nagorno Karabakh.

“The everyday growing humanitarian crisis can become a real humanitarian disaster. It is necessary to underscore that the calls by numerous big and small countries, international organizations, reputed NGOs haven’t yet had impact on Azerbaijan’s behavior. In this case I want to underscore the need for clear actions and initiation of respective mechanisms by the international community aimed at ending the illegal blockade of Nagorno Karabakh and preventing the ethnic cleansing against Armenians of Artsakh and preventing Azerbaijan’s future aggression,” Mirzoyan said. In this regard the Armenian FM attached importance to deploying an international fact-finding mission into Lachin corridor and Nagorno Karabakh.

“I’d like to underscore the important role the EU monitoring mission has in direction of ensuring stability around the borders of the Republic of Armenia. Periodical use of force or explicit threats to use force, mass violations of human rights cannot create stable ground for peace and security in the region. Armenia has numerously announced its readiness for constructive dialogue in an environment free from hate speech, preconditions and belligerent rhetoric for sustainable peace and development in South Caucasus. There’s no alternative to a peaceful settlement of existing problems and disputes, this is our conviction,” Mirzoyan said.