Azerbaijan uses hunger as a tool to destroy Armenians. The interview of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh to "Ouest-France" daily

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan gave an interview to the French daily "Ouest-France".

Question. What is the situation in the Republic of Artsakh since the end of the 2020 war?

Answer: Azerbaijan continues its threatening rhetoric and genocidal policy against Armenians. First, on January 9, 2022, electricity supply from Armenia to Artsakh was disrupted, and then, in mid-March, also gas supply. Later, the Azerbaijani side set up an illegal checkpoint in the Lachin corridor. Since June 15, the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia has been completely blocked. Movement is no longer blocked for people, food, medicine and other essential goods.

Question. What were the consequences of the blockade?

Answer: Families are separated from each other, the normal functioning of hospitals is disrupted. Due to the lack of fuel, agricultural workers are unable to cultivate the land. Moreover, they are targeted on a daily basis by the armed forces of Azerbaijan, which aims to hinder any kind of economic activity in Artsakh and further deepen the famine. This is a humanitarian disaster.

Our supplies are exhausted: we only have a supply of flour and bread for a few days. The cause of every third death in Artsakh is hunger and malnutrition. Imagine what will happen if this blockade is not ended. Immediate measures must be taken, otherwise it will be too late.

Question. According to you, is the famine organized in a deliberate way?

Answer: Yes, leading international experts define the situation as genocide. Azerbaijan uses hunger as a tool to destroy Armenians.

Question. How can this genocide be prevented?

Answer: The leaders of the countries and the UN must show political will. The international community has the obligation and ability to prevent genocides. Relevant international organizations are properly informed about the situation in Artsakh. They should make an objective assessment of it. The UN Security Council can adopt a relevant resolution calling on Azerbaijan to end the blockade. International organizations should impose sanctions on those responsible for the blockade and send humanitarian aid by all possible means, including by air.

We appeal to the free and progressive world to protect the rights of people and peoples. Let's not waste time, because, after all, it is about the prevention of genocide.