Artsakh President Urges Action Against Azerbaijan's Crimes Against Humanity

In a stern and urgent plea, Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan has appealed to the Foreign Ministers of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan, ahead of a crucial meeting scheduled to take place on July 25 in Moscow. The appeal is directed at addressing Azerbaijan's alleged crimes against humanity and the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

President Harutyunyan's call comes on the eve of a pivotal meeting among the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Azerbaijan. This gathering aims to foster a normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan following the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

In his appeal, President Harutyunyan issues an alarm about the pressing need to immediately end the prolonged 225-day blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. This blockade has escalated to a full 40-day siege, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

The President strongly condemns Azerbaijan's actions, asserting that instead of pursuing a political resolution and fostering mutual trust, Azerbaijan has chosen to encircle and completely blockade Artsakh. He points out the continuous disruption of vital infrastructures and an alleged genocidal policy, accusing Azerbaijan of using these tactics to advance its political agenda.

President Harutyunyan emphasizes that these actions by Azerbaijan amount to crimes against humanity, directly contravening the terms of the Tripartite Declaration of November 9, 2020, and established international legal norms. The people of Artsakh had placed faith in the guarantees of the Tripartite Declaration, particularly relying on the mission of Russian peacekeeping troops as they sought to rebuild their lives after the war.

Asserting his mandate as President, Harutyunyan demands concrete steps from the parties involved in the Tripartite Declaration. He calls for the swift restoration of the legal regime in the Lachin Corridor and the assurance of the security of Artsakh's population, all in alignment with the obligations outlined in the Tripartite Declaration. Only by providing the minimum conditions for the well-being of the people of Artsakh can discussions on conflict resolution be undertaken in a conducive environment.

The President underscores the urgency of the situation, warning that failure to act will result in the parties bearing the primary responsibility for potential tragedies. His plea concludes with a heartfelt call to prevent further ethnic cleansing and preserve the well-being and dignity of the people of Artsakh.

As the international community watches closely, President Harutyunyan's appeal resonates as a stark reminder of the immediate need for concerted action to alleviate the unfolding crisis and uphold human rights in the region.