News - Exodus of Armenians from Karabakh is unacceptable, we condemn Baku's attack - German Foreign Minister

Azerbaijan has chosen the path of military force. We actively condemn Baku's attack and call for a complete cessation of any hostilities. So many people have died in just two days, and thousands were forced to flee their homes. German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock stated during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. "We have taken note of the reported ceasefire, but what is needed now is a complete cessation of violence. Azerbaijan has a responsibility to fully ensure the protection of civilians, especially children, who live in Nagorno-Karabakh. The exodus of ethnic Armenians from Karabakh is unacceptable. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of both Armenia and Azerbaijan should not be called into question. It is hard to imagine the difficulties and hardships endured by the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in the months after the Baku authorities simply closed the Lachin corridor. Stores are empty, there are no medicines, there is no electricity or fuel. Over the past few weeks, together with many partners, we have worked hardest to ensure humanitarian access for those in need, especially pregnant women, the disabled, and the elderly. And as soon as there was a glimmer of hope that humanitarian aid could be delivered to Nagorno-Karabakh, Baku broke repeated assurances that it would not use force. This has led to serious suffering for a population already living in difficult conditions. The people of Nagorno-Karabakh deserve to live in security and protected rights. The opening of the Lachin corridor remains extremely important for humanitarian reasons, but not only. It is also a cultural and social bridge for ethnic Armenians who live in Karabakh. Baku and Karabakh Armenians need dialog. The people who live in this region need a lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It can only be achieved at the negotiating table. I urge a return to negotiations mediated by the European Union. The men, women and children of Nagorno-Karabakh and the region deserve to live without fear of violence, being driven from their homes, of being deprived of their rights, their language, and their religion. They deserve a peaceful life. No country should use this situation to destabilize democracy in Armenia," the German Foreign Minister stressed.