On May 23, RA Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan participated and spoke at the open discussion of the UN Security Council under the agenda item "Protection of civilians in armed conflicts," which was chaired by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Alain Berse. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoliarich made reports.

In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the full and unconditional implementation of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, emphasized the critical role of the UN Security Council in guaranteeing the performance of obligations arising from international humanitarian law.

Referring to the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh that has been ongoing for more than six months and its humanitarian consequences, Vahe Gevorgyan noted that, contrary to the legally binding ruling of the International Court of Justice, the Azerbaijani authorities installed a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor, thereby bearing responsibility for the illegal blockade and not fulfilling the court's verdict.

The deputy minister emphasized that Azerbaijan continuously obstructs the activities aimed at meeting the vital needs of the population affected by the conflict. So far, it has not been possible to guarantee the involvement of the United Nations and its agencies in Nagorno-Karabakh.

It was emphasized that all these illegal actions, accompanied by policies aimed at deepening Armenian hatred and xenophobia, reveal the genocidal intentions of Azerbaijan and the ultimate goal - the complete ethnic cleansing of the indigenous population of Nagorno Karabakh. The Deputy Minister expressed hope that the UN Security Council, as the primary body responsible for international peace and security, will continue to be involved in this issue in line with its mandate to guarantee the dignity, safety, and fundamental human rights of the civilian population.