President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has responded to a letter from the women of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) who in early February drew the EU official’s attention to Azerbaijan’s closure of Karabakh amid freezing temperatures.
Aravot asked the head of the EU delegation in Armenia, ambassador Andrea Wiktorin whether von der Leyen had read the letter, and von der Leyen’s response was sent to the publication afew days later.
“The European Union has been following with serious concern the various developments around the Lachin corridor since the beginning of December last year. We understand that restrictions of movement along the Lachin corridor cause significant distress to the local population and create humanitarian concerns,” the response reads.
“Let me assure you that the EU continues to mobilize diplomatic efforts to solve the situation, and has repeatedly called on Azerbaijan and others involved to take measures that are within their jurisdiction to ensure freedom and security of movement along the corridor, in line with obligations deriving from the trilateral statement 9 November 2020. To this end, the EU has been involved in regular contacts at multiple levels with the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
“The EU also stepped up its engagement in Armenia through the recently launched full-fledged civilian CSDP mission (EU mission in Armenia), which represents clear proof of our continued support to de-escalation efforts and commitment to work closely with both sides towards the ultimate goal of sustainable peace in the region.”
Since December 12, the sole road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia – the Lachin Corridor – has been blocked by self-described Azerbaijani environmentalists. Karabakh residents have reported food and fuel shortages, while hospital patients don't have access to essential medicines, with only a handful allowed transfer to facilities in Armenia proper.
