The 30th annual session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) was held in Vancouver, Canada, in which the RA NA delegation participated. Artur Hovhannisyan, a member of the National Assembly delegation, gave a speech at the session of the OSCE PA Committee on Democracy, Human Rights, and Humanitarian Affairs.

"Ladies and gentlemen,

Although the deep concerns surrounding us may instill fear in many people, it is essential for us, as representatives of OSCE member states, to assess the situation and take decisive action to ensure people's rights and security.

Armenia is committed to establishing peace in our region and is taking every step in that direction. Meanwhile, 120,000 residents of Nagorno Karabakh have been under siege for more than two hundred days.

I want to remind you that on February 22, the International Court of Justice applied a legally binding temporary measure against Azerbaijan in response to the case of Armenia. The court decided that there is an immediate risk of irreparable damage to the rights of Armenians under the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Azerbaijan was instructed to take all necessary measures to ensure the unrestricted movement of people, vehicles and cargo in both directions through the Lachin Corridor.

Unfortunately, Azerbaijan did not comply with the decision of the international court and further aggravated the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Since June 15, Azerbaijan has completely closed the possibility of passing through the Lachin Corridor, including for the Red Cross and peacekeeping forces. The situation is dire, as the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are facing the problem of running out of food, medicine, and other necessary fast-draining supplies.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative to focus our attention on developments in Nagorno-Karabakh through statements, resolutions and, most importantly, concrete actions. We must recognize that the rights of these people are as important as any of us here today. By standing up for the rights and security of the people in Nagorno-Karabakh, we are defending our values of human rights, which are universal regardless of their geography.

Thank you," said Artur Hovhannisyan.