Thousands demonstrate in Nagorny Karabagh demanding the opening of the Lachin corridor

3^min

Thousands of people protested on Friday in Stepanakert, the main city of Nagorno-Karabakh, demanding the reopening of the Lachin corridor, the only artery connecting Armenia to the separatist region that was closed by Azerbaijan this week, according to a reporter from Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Around six thousand demonstrators gathered in the main square of the city on Friday morning. The closure of the Lachin corridor poses a significant risk of a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, as confirmed by Armenia.

An official in Nagorno-Karabakh called on Russia, which has deployed a peacekeeping force in the region since 2020, to reopen the corridor. State Minister Gorgin Nersisian said on social media, "I call on the Russian Federation (...) to ensure freedom of movement for people and the transportation of goods through the corridor," emphasizing that "the situation is horrifying and will have serious consequences in the coming days."

On Tuesday, Azerbaijan announced the closure of the Lachin corridor, accusing Armenian Red Cross drivers of engaging in smuggling activities, an accusation denied by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Thursday that he would participate in negotiations with Azerbaijan under the auspices of the European Union on Saturday, condemning the "unlawful blockade" of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenia has warned the international community of the possibility of a serious humanitarian crisis in this separatist region since December due to shortages of food and medicine resulting from restrictions on traffic through the Lachin corridor.

In April, Azerbaijan placed a checkpoint at the entrance of the Lachin corridor for security reasons, while clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces continue.

The former Soviet republics have been in conflict over control of Nagorno-Karabakh since the late 1980s, leading to two wars, the second of which in 2020 resulted in the defeat of Armenian forces and territorial gains by Azerbaijan.

A part of the sector, which is predominantly Armenian but is internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory, remains under the control of Armenian separatists but is currently surrounded by territories controlled by Baku.

AFP