Lavrov Discusses Lachin Corridor Regime and Civilian Access
During a press conference following his meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the creation of checkpoints in the Lachin corridor was not anticipated by the agreement signed in November 2020. The exchange highlighted Moscow’s emphasis on ensuring civilian movement and humanitarian access within the framework of the key diplomatic accords.
Lavrov then clarified the operational framework for the Lachin corridor. He asserted that the regime and mode of operation must adhere strictly to the first tripartite statement dated 9-10 November 2020. In his view, freedom of action should be guaranteed exclusively for civilians, with a focus on humanitarian cargo and the safety of residents caught in the corridor’s effects.
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, former Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in a trilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. According to Pashinyan’s office, the discussions centered on the progress of negotiations toward a draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The talks took place within the broader framework of resolving bilateral tensions. Participants explored the potential for opening communication routes in the near term and discussed the possibility of adjusting border arrangements in line with the Prague agreement reached on 7 October 2022. The Armenian side underscored the need for a peace treaty that would deliver long-term regional stability and security.
Armenia emphasized that Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor has led to what is described as a humanitarian, environmental, and energy crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. This position reflects concerns about civilian access, resource distribution, and the overall humanitarian situation in the affected areas as both sides continue to pursue avenues for durable resolution.