Title: Humanitarian Aid Reaches Nagorno-Karabakh Following Azerbaijan’s Reclamation of Control
In response to Azerbaijan’s recent reclaiming of control over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, humanitarian aid is being sent to alleviate the dire situation faced by its residents. The aid shipments have become necessary as the region experienced months of road blockade, resulting in severe shortages of food and fuel.
Efforts to send aid to Nagorno-Karabakh have been carried out primarily through the Lachin corridor, the sole road connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. Russian peacekeepers were initially tasked with ensuring free movement along this route. However, Azerbaijan imposed a blockade, claiming it was necessary due to alleged illicit weapons shipments.
Armenia has contended that the blockade caused the denial of basic food and fuel supplies to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Conversely, Azerbaijan argues that the region could have received supplies through Aghdam. The blockade and ensuing conflict have intensified an already complex situation, with Nagorno-Karabakh having been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces supported by the Armenian military since 1994.
The six-week war in 2020 resulted in Azerbaijan regaining control of the surrounding territory, prompting the recent delivery of humanitarian aid. A cease-fire was announced following Azerbaijan’s military operation to clear out what they claimed were Armenian military formations in Nagorno-Karabakh, minimizing the risk of a full-scale war.
Under the recent agreement between the two sides, significant concessions were made by Nagorno-Karabakh’s authorities, including the disbandment of the region’s defense forces and the withdrawal of Armenia’s military contingent. The final status of Nagorno-Karabakh remains open and forms the crux of ongoing negotiations.
Videos have emerged documenting the evacuation of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. Many of them were seen camping outside an airport near the Russian peacekeepers’ base, highlighting the urgency of aid provision.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Nagorno-Karabakh residents, including ethnic minorities. In line with these commitments, Azerbaijan has reported shipping over 60 tons of fuel to the region, while Russia has provided more than 50 tons of food aid and basic necessities.
Addressing the situation, Armenia’s Foreign Minister has accused Baku of launching an unprovoked and well-planned military attack. It is clear that resolving the complex dynamics in Nagorno-Karabakh will require diplomatic negotiations and a commitment from both sides to find a long-term solution.
As humanitarian aid continues to reach the region through Azerbaijan and Armenia, hopes remain for alleviating the plight faced by the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and working towards sustainable peace and stability in the area.
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