Foreign Diplomats in Armenia Inspect Humanitarian Relief Trucks Headed to Artsakh Amidst Crisis

Amid a dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Mnatsakan Safaryan, orchestrated a meeting with accredited diplomats and representatives of international organizations in Armenia. The focus of the meeting was to shed light on the severe situation prevailing in Artsakh due to the protracted blockade by Azerbaijan.

Deputy Foreign Minister Safaryan underscored the gravity of the situation, revealing that the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor for over seven months has resulted in a devastating humanitarian fallout. The disruption of vital supplies, including those facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, has led to a critical shortage of food, medicines, fuel, and other essentials.

Safaryan elaborated on the dire consequences of the agricultural sector's collapse due to relentless Azerbaijani shelling, which has directly targeted civilians and infrastructure. The resulting power and gas supply disruptions have paralyzed social and health services, infringing upon the fundamental rights of the besieged population.

To address this crisis, Armenia's Prime Minister initiated a working group focused on Artsakh's humanitarian situation. The group has resolved to dispatch approximately 360 tons of essential aid to the region. Safaryan stressed the necessity for a clear and resolute international message to Azerbaijan, urging the implementation of legally binding orders from the International Court of Justice. These orders emphasize the unobstructed movement of people, vehicles, and cargo through the Lachin corridor.

The meeting featured presentations by Ambassador-at-Large Edmon Marukyan, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Anna Zhamakochyan, and First Deputy Minister of Health Lena Nanushyan. Zhamakochyan highlighted the disproportionate impact of the crisis on vulnerable groups, including children, women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Nanushyan, meanwhile, detailed the severe strain placed on Artsakh's healthcare system, including dwindling medical supplies and Azerbaijan's prohibition on transporting patients requiring specialized care to Armenia.

At the end of the meeting, the heads of diplomatic missions and the representatives of international organizations toured the humanitarian relief trucks parked in the adjacent area of the MFA building, inspecting the types of goods included in the consignment of humanitarian cargo.