Armenian FM draws attention of CoE Commissioner to Azerbaijan's violation of international humanitarian law norms

YEREVAN, May 18, /ARKA/. On May 17, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with Dunja Mijatović, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.

It said the meeting was held within the framework of the 4th Summit of the Council of Europe in Reykjavik, Iceland.

The effective cooperation with the Office of Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe was mutually highlighted, and a number of issues of mutual interest were discussed.

The humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan was touched upon. Both sides emphasized the imperative of ensuring humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh and addressing humanitarian issues.

Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that Azerbaijan’s provocative and aggressive actions are not only a gross violation of the November 9, 2020 Trilateral Statement, but also of the norms of international humanitarian law and the decision of the International Court of Justice. The Minister stressed the importance of continuous targeted statements and practical steps by international institutions to prevent ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Lachin corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijanis since December 12. In the meantime, 120,000 people in Nagorno-Karabakh are facing a humanitarian crisis, including 30,000 children, 20,000 elderly people and about 9,000 people with disabilities.

Earlier this month Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev said that 'Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh must either adopt Azerbaijani citizenship or look for another place of residence.'-0-