Negotiations on resuming unimpeded traffic on Stepanakert-Goris road are ongoing

The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to fulfill its tasks in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reports.

According to the source, Russian peacekeepers are conducting round-the-clock monitoring of the situation in 30 observation posts and monitoring of the ceasefire.

It is noted that the command of the Russian peacekeepers continues the negotiation process with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides regarding the resumption of the unhindered movement of automobile transport along the Stepanakert-Goris road (Lachin Corridor - ed.).

Since December 12, Azerbaijan continues to keep the only road connecting Artsakh to the world, the Lachin Corridor, closed, citing false environmental reasons.

The government of Artsakh has decided to turn to international organizations to carry out ecological expertise: Mine operation will be temporarily suspended

The government of the Republic of Artsakh once again confirms that the mining industry in Artsakh is carried out according to the highest international standards, to which the regulations defined by the legislation of the sector are also aligned.  However, taking into account the unhealthy environment created by the "eco-activists" of the neighboring country and the attempts to mislead the international community, it was decided to contact international organizations to conduct an international ecological examination related to the activities of the "Base Metals" company.

Together with the management of the company, a decision was made to temporarily stop the operation of the company's mine until the examination is completed.

UNICEF issued a statement regarding the situation of the Lachine Corridor

"The actual closure of the entrance to Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin corridor has a negative impact on the situation of children. How long will this situation last?
The more children will suffer from a lack of basic food and basic services necessary for their survival, healthy growth, and well-being. Meanwhile, many children were also deprived of parental care because they were separated from their parents or legal guardians.

UNICEF reiterates the UN Secretary-General's call to ensure freedom and security of movement through the Lachine Corridor in line with previous agreements. This is critical to ensure that children in Nagorno-Karabakh are protected and that humanitarian organizations can reach those in need safely and quickly.

UNICEF continues to seek dialogue and cooperation with all actors to gain access to support children in the area."

The UN Human Rights Commission should send a fact-finding mission to Lachine Corridor - RA Human Rights Defender

The UN Human Rights Commission should send a fact-finding mission to the Lachine Corridor. RA human rights defender Kristine Grigoryan announced this in a tweet.

"The UN Human Rights Commission should send a fact-finding mission to Lachin Corridor blocked already for 17th day - the only way to have a clear understanding of the matter. And yes, the mere fact that only ICRC emblemed vehicles move in and out proves that the blockade continues," the RA human rights defender wrote on Twitter.

The platform for negotiations with Armenia is not a priority for us - Bayramov 

Azerbaijan is aiming to achieve results in negotiations with Armenia, and the platform on which these negotiations are conducted is not a priority, said Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. TASS writes about this.

"The position of the Azerbaijani side is as follows - our main goal is to make the negotiations effective. And from this point of view, the negotiation platform, although important, is not a priority for us," Bayramov said.

According to him, the Azerbaijani side has always agreed to conduct negotiations on any platform.

"We have shown our openness to the process. The only exceptions are those platforms and people who have demonstrated their bias and inability to take a neutral and fair stance. Naturally, such platforms and participants are unacceptable for us," Bayramov emphasized.

Other News

• The Ministry of Defense plans to call reservists for training musters from March 1 to May 12 of 2023. 3.281 reservists will be called up.

• On December 28, the President of the Republic Arayik Harutyunyan received the representatives of the political forces represented in the National Assembly.

• 3 patients in serious condition were transferred from Artsakh to Armenia through the mediation of the Red Cross.