European Parliament on the Installation of Checkpoint in Lachin Corridor

The Chair of the EU Delegation for Relations with the South Caucasus, Member of the European Parliament Marina Kaljurand, alongside the permanent rapporteur on Armenia Andrey Kovatchev and the permanent rapporteur on Azerbaijan Zeljana Zovko, have issued a joint statement regarding the installation of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan in the Lachin corridor.

The statement reads: “We express our deep concern regarding the installation of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan in the Lachin corridor on April 23, 2023. This could have potential negative consequences and be seen as a blatant violation of the ceasefire declaration from November 9, 2020, as well as a disrespectful act towards the International Court of Justice's ruling on February 22, 2023, which obligates Azerbaijan to 'take all necessary measures to ensure unimpeded movement of people, vehicles, and cargo in both directions along the Lachin corridor.'

The blockade of the corridor by Azerbaijan has been ongoing since December 12, 2022, causing humanitarian difficulties for the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and significantly undermining the prospects for peace. Recent actions further exacerbate the situation. We call on Baku to immediately change its policy and commit to the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and adherence to international obligations and norms. The European Union is ready to assist the parties in resolving all their differences through negotiations.

They assured that the EU continues to be willing to support the parties in resolving all their disagreements through negotiations. The MEPs have expressed regret that such actions were carried out precisely on the eve of April 24, the Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, marking the anniversary of the commencement of the campaign of extermination by the Ottoman Empire 108 years ago.