Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on threats to international peace and security
Mr.President,
We thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenca for the briefing. We also note the participation in this meeting of the Permanent Representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
We are concerned over the reports about the blockage of the Lachin corridor, caused by controversies of the sides on the issue of exploitation of ore deposits in the region.
The Lachin corridor ensures connectivity of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. According to the statement of the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia of 9 November 2020, the Lachin corridor under the control of the Russian Federation peacemaking force, which remains a guarantor of stability in the region and fulfils its tasks effectively.
What’s important is that when adopting this Statement, the sides assumed corresponding obligations that must be strictly observed, i.a. in order to avoid complications for the everyday life of civilians. We look forward to having full-fledged transportation recovered in the very near future.
In the recent few days, the Russian side has been taking every effort to ensure prompt settlement of the situation in the Lachin corridor via its relevant agencies - the Defense Ministry, the Commando of the Peacekeeping Contingent, and also the Foreign Ministry. We stand in regular contact with the partners in Armenia and Azerbaijan on the issue.
As a result of this work, supply of natural gas to Nagorno-Karabakh was recovered, and traffic in the Lachin corridor partly unblocked. Now parameters are being negotiated for the visits of Azerbaijani environmental experts to the ore deposits in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Mr.President,
We count on complete observance of the ceasefire and non-use-of-force agreements that were achieved under the mediation of Russia. We call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to demonstrate restraint and keep from steps that may escalate tension, and also to abide by the agreements envisaged in the trilateral statements of the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia dated 9 November 2020, 11 January and 26 November 2021, and 31 October 2022. We are convinced that full implementation of provisions of these statements is the most reliable formula for normalization between Baku and Yerevan. The four documents are inextricably linked and build a comprehensive framework, where all provisions follow from one another. Their observance will create the necessary conditions for peace in South Caucasus, which serves the best interests not only of this region, but all its neighbors as well.
We intend to continue providing all the necessary assistance to Baku and Yerevan in order to ensure implementation of the agreements in the manner and scope acceptable for the both sides.
The Trilateral Working Group on economic and transportation ties in the region, which is co-chaired by Vice Prime Ministers of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, remains operational. Its most recent meeting was held on 6 December.
Apart from that, we continue engaging with the Armenian and Azerbaijani side on preparing a peace agreement.
We proceed from the assumption that all disputes of Armenia and Azerbaijan must be resolved only through political and diplomatic means. As far as the border control issues are concerned, those need to be settled in the framework of the bilateral Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Delimitation Commission that operates under Russian consultative support.
Thank you.
