Iranian expert on the blockade of Artsakh 

Orbeli Center conducted an interview with the Deputy Director of Iran’s IRAS research center, internationalist Mahmoud Shouri, on the issue of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor and the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.

- It’s already 8 months, since Azerbaijan has blocked the Lachin Corridor, keeping Artsakh under siege. Baku has stopped the flow of natural gas and electricity to Artsakh and in recent days it has banned even humanitarian transportation. All these created a deep humanitarian crisis in Artsakh and the President of Artsakh declared the country a disaster zone. What do you think is the ultimate goal of such a policy of Azerbaijan?

- Unfortunately, the events we have witnessed in Nagorno-Karabakh in recent months prove that the living conditions of the people of that region have worsened. Blocking people’s access to basic needs like energy, water or food is inhumane and unethical, regardless of the reason. It seems, that Azerbaijan is practically trying to use all possible tools to achieve its goals in the region. Part of these efforts are aimed at forcing Armenia to accept Baku’s demands regarding the road from Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan. Actually, we are witnessing a type of hostage taking at the cost of innocent lives. Unfortunately, international organizations do not pay much attention to this problem for various reasons, and so far, the International Red Cross organization has not succeeded in solving this problem.  

- How do you assess the impact of the crisis in Artsakh and the aggressive actions of Baku on the regional situation?

- Anyway, it is obvious that these actions will lead to an escalation of regional conflicts and an increase in violence. Such actions will bring neither peace nor development to the region. Furthermore, within the framework of the November 2020 agreement, mechanisms have been developed for the settlement of conflicts and there is no need for unilateral actions. Historical experience shows that the deepening of hatred and hostility will eventually lead to tragic disasters. Geographically, the Caucasus is not a large region, and any clash and conflict in any corner of the region quickly has a direct impact on other parts of that region and even on the adjacent regions. 

- How can the international community as well as Iran help to resolve this catastrophic crisis?

- As I noted, in order to monitor the situation in the region, mechanisms have been developed within the framework of the November 2020 agreement, and there are many ways to resolve disputes peacefully within the framework of international laws and norms. A return to these mechanisms is the only solid basis that can bring stability and peace to the region. Furthermore, a mechanism like 3+3, which included all regional actors and forces, and there was an opportunity to manage crisis in the region within this mechanism. Anyway, diplomatic efforts should be increased to draw the attention of the international community to the issue. Moreover, a great power like Russia, which has historical interests in the region, despite its many difficulties with Ukraine, should pay more attention to its historical and humanitarian role in this direction. Bilateral and multilateral negotiations with the participation of regional powers, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, can definitely have a direct impact on ensuring peace in the region. Within the framework of Astana format, Iran, Russia and Turkey have already had the experience of cooperation on the Syrian issue once, and therefore in case of the Caucasus, such a mechanism can also play an effective role in maintaining peace in the region.