POLITICS
MFA: Armenia imposed obstructions for use of Aghdam-Khankendi road
Baku, August 14, AZERTAC
“Armenia did not reconcile with the reality of being deprived of the means to supply and sustain its not fully withdrawn armed forces in the territory of Azerbaijan, and illicitly extract Azerbaijan’s natural resources. Therefore, Armenia has started propaganda campaign worldwide, imposed series of military and other obstructions for the normal functioning of the border check-point, as well as for the use of other routes, such as Aghdam-Khankendi road for the delivery of goods to the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan,” Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“Recently, following the series of intensive consultations and shuttle diplomacy efforts, agreement was finally reached with respect to delivery of humanitarian cargo to the Garabagh region through various routes, as well as the organization of the meeting between the Special Representative of Azerbaijan and representatives of local Armenian residents.
On the first case, concrete blocs and all other physical barriers imposed by the Armenian side on the use of Aghdam-Khankendi road should have been removed to allow the delivery of humanitarian cargo by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to meet the needs of local residents. This should have been followed by intensification of usage of the Lachin road by the ICRC within 24 hours. All the involved parties, including the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the ICRC, were prepared to realize this deal in practice.
On the second, a meeting between Azerbaijan’s Special Representative and representatives of local Armenian residents was agreed to take place in Yevlakh.
Regrettably, on August 5, 2023, Armenia, through its illegally installed puppet regime, backstepped from both agreements at a last moment by introducing politically motivated and illegitimate preconditions and various pretexts.
In other words, what Armenia cynically seeks from the international community in general, and the UN Security Council in particular, was indeed within reach days ago in the result of active support of partners, including the members of Security Council. This did not materialize only due to the refusal by Armenia itself,” the ministry emphasized.