PM Pashinyan Accuses Azerbaijan of Ethnic Cleansing in Artsakh, Urges International Attention

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia has raised serious concerns about Azerbaijan's actions in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), accusing the neighboring country of carrying out a policy of ethnic cleansing in the region. Pashinyan's statements came on June 16, amid reports of worsening humanitarian conditions and restricted access to essential supplies in Artsakh.

According to Pashinyan, the situation has escalated significantly due to Azerbaijan's installation of an illegal checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor, disrupting power and gas supplies to Artsakh for the past six months. This has resulted in a complete cessation of food supplies from the outside world, leaving Artsakh residents without access to essential food products.

Even more concerning is the ban on passage for citizens in need of urgent medical treatment, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The Prime Minister emphasized that these actions confirm Armenia's worst fears about ethnic cleansing taking place in Artsakh.

"Farmers conducting agricultural work are targeted with automatic gunfire, and the possibility of movement is blocked even for critically-ill patients," stated Pashinyan, painting a grim picture of the situation in the region.

Pashinyan called on the international community to increase awareness not only among governments and organizations but also societies, highlighting the urgent need for attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Artsakh.

He further stressed the importance of dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert, within the framework of international mechanisms, to ensure the rights and security of the Armenians residing in Artsakh. Pashinyan expressed hope that concrete steps would be taken in this direction to address the pressing issues in the region.

The situation in Artsakh remains highly sensitive, with the historical conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan reaching a critical point. International bodies, including the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers, have previously played a role in facilitating passage through the Lachin Corridor, but these measures have been recently suspended, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

As tensions continue to escalate, regional stability and the well-being of the people in Artsakh remain at risk. The international community closely monitors the developments in the area, and calls are being made for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and safeguard the rights and security of the affected population.

In light of Prime Minister Pashinyan's recent statements, the international community faces renewed urgency to address the unfolding crisis in Artsakh and take decisive steps to prevent further escalation and ensure the well-being of those caught in the illegal blockade.