Azerbaijan Even Restricts Red Cross Entry into Artsakh: Mirzoyan

Azerbaijan is attempting to restrict the operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Republic of Artsakh and is pressuring the organization to conform to its desired political agenda. Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan stated this during a press conference in Yerevan with Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg.

“This is the only organization that has entered and been represented in Artsakh in recent years. Now Azerbaijan is even restricting that,” emphasized Mirzoyan.

The Armenian Foreign Minister made this statement after the Austrian minister, in response to a question about Azerbaijan obstructing the work of international organizations, noted that the international community is interested in a peaceful resolution but cannot proceed without the agreement of both parties. “The international community needs Yerevan, Baku, Azerbaijanis, and Armenians to demonstrate the will to move forward on this path. We know that the wound is still open,” he said. “On behalf of Austria, the EU, and the OSCE, I want to say that we are ready to help, but you must be willing to accept our assistance.”

The Austrian official also stated that he sees a readiness from the parties to take “correct steps,” adding that the leaders of the two countries need to demonstrate “courage” to do so.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also emphasized that despite whatever tools and encouragement the international community may use to help the parties reach agreements, it is essential that the parties themselves have the political will. “Armenia is ready and willing to build peace in the region and resolve all ‘knotty’ issues. We regret to note that we constantly receive contrary messages from official Baku. Anti-Armenian rhetoric and aggressive actions at the border, as well as the continued presence of prisoners of war in Azerbaijan, do not contribute to creating a constructive atmosphere,” said Mirzoyan.

He stressed that although not stipulated by the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, Armenia has provided Azerbaijan with maps of mined areas, because humanity does not need new deaths.

The Foreign Minister noted that Azerbaijan's counterproductive policies are also evident in relation to international organizations.