The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry noted "the importance of the ICRC`s compliance with its humanitarian mandate"

Baku/25.07.23/Turan: Statements about the "tense humanitarian situation" in the region are a means of political manipulation and pressure, the commentary of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry in connection with today's statement of the ICRC, which called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to "reach a humanitarian consensus."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan notes that the ministry took note of the statement of the ICRC on July 25 on the humanitarian situation in the region. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's commentary indicates that the shelling of the Lachin border checkpoint on July 15, the identification in July of the facts of the use of ICRC vehicles by Armenian drivers for the smuggling of goods were regarded by Baku as another actions of the Armenian side against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the creation of obstacles to the activities of the border crossing. The Armenian side was requested to stop such provocative actions.

Along with the suppression of attempts of illegal actions by Armenia, the Azerbaijani side continued to cooperate with the ICRC.

After discussions with the ICRC, in compliance with the necessary rules, conditions were created for the continuation of the passage of Armenian residents through the Lachin checkpoint for medical purposes. Every day dozens of Armenian residents followed through the border crossing in both directions.

The Azerbaijani side proposed using the Aghdam-Khankendi road to deliver a large number of medicines and humanitarian supplies.

However, the Armenian side refuses to use this road, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry comments with bewilderment and regret.

"In addition, it is regrettable that, despite the agreement reached on the visit of an ICRC doctor to the territory in order to facilitate the passage of Armenian residents for medical purposes through the ICRC, this was also refused. The opposition of the Armenian side to the steps taken by Azerbaijan and attempts to provide support, including the proposal to use the Aghdam-Khankendi and other alternative roads, as indicated in the statement of the ICRC, proves once again that the allegations about the "tense humanitarian situation" in the region are a means of political manipulation and pressure," the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's commentary concludes by noting the importance of the ICRC's compliance with its humanitarian mandate and not abusing it for political purposes. ---06B---