AANSI CHAIRMAN, U.S. ARMY MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) MARK MACCARLEY, ESQ. CONDEMNS AZERBAIJAN’S BLOCKADE OF ARTSAKH; URGES REOPENING OF LACHIN CORRIDOR; CALLS FOR ROBUST HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO ARTSAKH ARMENIANS
Posted on December. 22. 2022
BY Mark MacCarley
Founding Chairman
American Armenian National
Security Institute (AANSI)
The American Armenian National Security Institute (AANSI) condemns in the strongest possible terms, Azerbaijan’s blockage by so-called “environmentalists” – in reality special plain clothes security agents of the Azeri armed forces – of the Lachin Corridor, the only all-weather passable roadway between Armenia and Artsakh. Around 120,000 Armenians, including 30,000 children, live in Artsakh. This road blockage has isolated them from the rest of the world; there being no other accessible ground passage, railroad, or operational airport into or out of Artsakh. This blockade, in violation of all norms of civilized conduct, has already and, unless lifted, will progressively deprive the people of Artsakh of food, medicine, and basic human necessities. Artsakh residents, as a consequence of this action by Azerbaijan, are now unable to reach Armenia for adequate medical treatment and to engage in any commerce with the outside world. This is a true humanitarian crisis which, if unresolved will cause injury, death, and the slow strangulation of Artsakh and its people. The European Union has formerly called on Azerbaijan to ensure the freedom and security of movement along the Lachin Corridor and dissolve the blockade, in line with the 9 November 2020 Trilateral Declaration and Ceasefire signed by Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia. In accordance with the Declaration, Russian has over 5000 military personnel ostensibly deployed along the Lachin Corridor to keep it open and guarantee free passage to Armenian and Artsakh passport holders. However, Russia, has taken no affirmative action to enforce the terms of the Trilateral Declaration, notwithstanding its obligation to do so. Representatives of its Foreign Ministry claim to have made a few calls to Azerbaijan counterparts suggesting further negotiation over the Corridor. There is no need for further negotiation. The Lachin Corridor must be reopened now. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to disaster and, most probably, renewed armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. AANSI calls on Azerbaijan to step back from the precipice of war and withdraw its “forces” from the Corridor. It demands that Russia fulfil its obligations under the Trilateral Agreement and protect and insure free passage along this absolutely critical passageway. AANSI sees the immediate necessity for all concerned nations to join with AANSI to condemn this blatant Azeri aggression and to provide robust humanitarian assistance to the people of Artsakh through whatever means of peaceful access to Artsakh become available as a consequence of collective pressure applied to Azerbaijan and Russia. This must be done NOW.
Mark MacCarley
Founding Chairman
American Armenian National
Security Institute (AANSI)