Video: Lavrov Discusses the Lachin Corridor, Comments on Azerbaijani Claims

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the situation surrounding the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting the Republic of Artsakh to Armenia and the outside world, during a press conference dedicated to the presentation of the results of Russian diplomacy in 2022. The corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan for more than a month.

“I spoke yesterday with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. According to the trilateral agreement of November 9, 2020, the Lachin Corridor must be free for the passage of cargo, citizens, and vehicles in both directions. Of course, it is explicitly stated that military cargo should not be sent through this road. The Azerbaijanis have provided information, and now our military is studying the allegations that the Armenian side has transported explosives through this corridor, which were subsequently used, violating the trilateral agreements, and have mined areas adjacent to Azerbaijani positions. Thus, there are many reciprocal accusations,” said Lavrov.

“We proposed a very simple solution. The peacekeeping contingent that Russia dispatched there is authorized under the trilateral agreement to monitor this movement, and they have all the means to check every vehicle to ensure the absence of prohibited, inhumane, or civilian goods. A meeting took place yesterday or the day before between the representative of Azerbaijan and the representatives of Karabakh, with the participation of the commander of the Russian contingent. I believe that the issue will be resolved in the near future,” Lavrov stated.