A regular session of the RA government was held today, chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Before discussing the issues on the agenda, the Prime Minister made a speech referring to the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border situation. In his remarks, Nikol Pashinyan noted.
"Dear participants of the government session,
Dear people,
The humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains tense due to the closure of the Lachin Corridor. Gas and electric power supplies to Nagorno Karabakh continue to be suspended.
Another shocking incident happened the previous day when a group of residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, who were on their way from Goris to Stepanakert, were again not allowed to return to their homes. This documented history once again demonstrates our previous assessments on this occasion, and these assessments are further intensified in the light of the decision of the International Court of Justice on February 22, 2023, according to which Azerbaijan must take all measures to ensure the full functioning of the Lachin Corridor. to restore. The incident of the previous day once again recorded that the international court's judgment is not being implemented, and we must continue our international diplomatic efforts arising from this.
Dear attendees,
Dear people,
I informed the previous session of the government that due to the commissioning of the new Kornidzor-Tegh highway connecting the Republic of Armenia to the Lachin Corridor, there would be a change in the route to the Lachin Corridor, as a result of which the border guard troops of the Republic of Armenia will have to take over the protection of the 12-kilometer section of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The reason is that until then, direct protection of the mentioned part of the border was not carried out by Armenia or Azerbaijan, according to the agreement reached last year to ensure the temporary route of the Lachin Corridor.
And, as it is known, specific problems arose during the assumption of direct protection of the border, which was reported by the National Security Service, emphasizing that during the deployment of both sides, readings of maps appeared. According to our assessment of the Armenian side, the Azerbaijani side had positioned itself in some places. It carried out engineering works 100-300 meters before the border in Armenia. After that, it was agreed that cartographers from both sides would correct the situation. During this period, work was carried out to adjust the border guards' deployment points, and the condition improved to a certain extent. In particular, the location points for 7 kilometers out of 12 kilometers have been clarified, and the works on 5 kilometers are ongoing.
Our attitude has been and continues to be to avoid escalating the situation. The adjustment of the location points will be carried out in a constructive atmosphere. At least, that's how we feel.
Dear participants of the government session,
Dear people,
In this volatile and uncertain global environment, we need solid nerves and restraint not to pay tribute to the forces interested in detonating the regional situation. Against all odds, the Government of the Republic of Armenia tirelessly reaffirms its commitment to the peace agenda.
Thank you."
