Statements About 'Humanitarian Disaster' Are Baseless: Bayramov

The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated during a phone conversation with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State that, "The statements regarding the alleged blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan, leading to the encirclement of Armenian residents in Artsakh and a 'humanitarian disaster' in the region, are absolutely baseless."

According to him, despite a number of constructive initiatives from the Azerbaijani side regarding the resolution of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations in the post-conflict period, the process is constantly interrupted by various provocations from Armenia.

Bayramov noted that a large number of vehicles from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeeping contingent pass through this route every day, along with other humanitarian vehicles.

Although the Azerbaijani foreign minister asserts that the claims about a 'humanitarian disaster' are unfounded, shops in Artsakh are emptied daily, and people are receiving food through vouchers. Azerbaijan's leader also stated at a press conference yesterday that the road is open for residents of Artsakh, but only if they wish to leave.

"They can leave on their own; no one will hinder them, or they can leave with the help of the peacekeepers' transport vehicles, or by bus," said Aliyev.