Creation of Checkpoint Is 'National Security Requirement': Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry

The establishment of a checkpoint at the beginning of the Lachin corridor is a 'national security requirement' of Azerbaijan. This statement was made by the press service of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry in response to Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly's announcement expressing deep concern over Azerbaijan's installation of a checkpoint in the Lachin corridor, asserting that this move clearly disrupts the peace process and stability of the entire region.

According to the Azerbaijani side, 'The Canadian side should be aware that the establishment of a checkpoint at the border of Azerbaijan's own sovereign territory is our country's 'legal' right. Baku, therefore, does not violate any international norms. The decision to create a new checkpoint on the border with Armenia was made based on Azerbaijan's national security requirements. The Canadian statements claiming that the Lachin road is closed have 'no grounds', and the new checkpoint will regulate the entry-exit regime in the state border zone,' the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's statement said.

Baku also called on Ottawa not to use the term 'Nagorno-Karabakh' in relation to the Republic of Azerbaijan’s economic region of Karabakh.

It is noteworthy that on April 23, Azerbaijan unlawfully installed a checkpoint in the Lachin corridor, violating tripartite agreements and within the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping forces. Reports indicate that the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces continues negotiations on reopening the Hakari bridge.