Humanitarian aid finally relieves Nagorno-Karabakh: passage authorized by Armenian separatists
For months, the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh had been plunged into a humanitarian crisis caused by the blockage of the Lachin corridor, the only land link directly linking this secessionist region to Armenia. However, a glimmer of hope emerged recently with the acceptance by Armenian separatists to allow humanitarian aid to pass through the Lachin corridor and the Aghdam road, in response to calls from the European Union and the United States. United.
This decision is the result of long negotiations between the different parties involved, in particular Armenia, Azerbaijan and the separatist authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh. By agreeing to reopen the two roads simultaneously, the separatists hope to alleviate the precarious humanitarian situation in the region.
The Lachin corridor, managed by soldiers of the Russian peace mission, was closed in 2022 by Azerbaijan, which caused a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan then claimed that the breakaway territory could receive all necessary aid through Azerbaijan itself.
However, this proposal was rejected by the separatist authorities who considered that it did not guarantee direct and free access to humanitarian aid. Finally, under international pressure, the separatists agreed to open the roads to allow the passage of humanitarian aid shipments.
This news is an important step towards de-escalating tensions in the region. Since the last war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the fall of 2020, which resulted in the loss of territories for Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh is still plagued by instability and the risk of conflict persist.
Humanitarian aid is crucial to relieve populations affected by the crisis and meet their essential needs such as medicine and food products. It is essential that the parties involved continue to work together to ensure regular and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance in the region.
In conclusion, the acceptance by the Armenian separatists of the passage of humanitarian aid through the Lachin corridor and the Aghdam road is a first step towards a de-escalation of tensions and an improvement of humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh. However, much remains to be done to ensure regular access to aid and to achieve lasting peace in the region.