Austria’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg, emphasizes the immediate need to open the Lachin Corridor, a stance supported not only by Austria but also by the entire European Union. He made these statements during a joint briefing with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Vienna.
Expressing concerns about conflicts in Ukraine, Schallenberg reminds us that the EU must not overlook other neighboring regions like the South Caucasus.
“The current situation cannot persist, it must be stopped promptly,” stated the minister.
He further highlighted Vienna’s concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation, urging for access to international organizations, including the Red Cross, to deliver much-needed aid to Nagorno-Karabakh.
“As we pursue peace negotiations, mutual trust is crucial. The situation in the Lachin Corridor can be a serious obstacle and undermine all our efforts in the negotiations,” warned Schallenberg.
He also mentioned other unresolved issues, such as the return of prisoners, communication restoration, and border demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
In response, Ararat Mirzoyan stated, “A stable peace in the region is only possible with resolving the rights and security issues of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh through Stepanakert-Baku dialogue under international mechanisms. Armenia awaits effective actions from the UN Security Council and international actors for unblocking the Lachin Corridor.”
At the end of the meeting, both foreign ministers signed the “Protocol on Implementing the Armenia-EU Readmission Agreement.”
