Federation of Armenian Organisations in Nederland (FAON)
Dutch Prime Minister Rutte: Now the first step is to remove the blockade of Lachin Corridor
The Hague, 28 June 2023 – The Federation of Armenian Organisations in Nederland (FAON) is thankful to Dutch MPs Nico Drost (Christian Union) and Pieter Omtzigt (Group Omtzigt) for bringing up at the Dutch Parliament the Nagorno Karabakh situation during the deliberations on the upcoming Eurotop of 29/30 June. Mr. Nico Drost openly asked PM Rutte if time by now hasn’t come for the EU to take action towards Azerbaijan in order to lift the blockade of Lachin Corridor.
Prime Minister Rutte, referring to several calls on Azerbaijan to follow up on the ICJ Ruling and ensure free movement, called this the essential point. He emphasised the significance of President Charles Michel‘s involvement in addressing the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. He will discuss the issue with both parties in July. Mr. Rutte expressed the Dutch support to the EU’s efforts in maintaining dialogue and contact with both parties involved, with the Netherlands also taking every chance to do so. According to Mr. Rutte ”step one is now to remove the blockade of the Lachin corridor”.
MP Pieter Omtzigt mentioned that instead of opening the corridor, Azerbaijan now has put a checkpoint and large concrete blocks there, deliberately trying to achieve Nagorno Karabakh completely being locked from the rest of the world and see the collapse of Nagorno Karabakh. Mr. Omtzigt raised the question of the steps of the international community, including the EU, to enforce the ICJ ruling and put an end to this illegal blockade.
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Prime Minister Rutte again highlighted the upcoming meeting of both parties involved with President Michel as an essential channel for dialogue and potential progress. Mr. Rutte refrained from speculating on further options, emphasising the importance of giving President Michel the opportunity to navigate the discussions effectively. But there is no guarantee it will work. He agrees that the situation is very dire and has far-reaching consequences for the quality of life in the Nagorno Karabakh enclave and for the future of this part of the region.
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In his conclusion, Mr. Pieter Omtzigt said Azerbaijan will drag the situation until it gets what it wants. Earlier is discussed deadlines and measures to be taken. He concludes from the words of Mr. Rutte that the measures will be taken soon. He declared that he doesn’t want to be confronted with the fact that afterwards, we had known better.
