"Now, more than ever, it is imperative to focus our attention on the developments in Nagorno- Karabakh" - Armenian MP

ArmInfo. The 30th Annual Session  of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe  Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) took place in Vancouver, Canada,  where the members of the delegation of the RA NA took part. The  Member of the delegation of the National Assembly Artur Hovhannisyan  gave a speech at the Meeting of the General Committee on Democracy,  Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions.

"Ladies and gentlemen,

"While the deep concerns surrounding us may instill fear in many  people, it is crucial for us, as representatives of the OSCE member  countries, to assess the situation and take decisive actions to  safeguard the rights and security of people.

"Armenia is committed to promoting peace in our region and takes  every action towards that direction.  Meanwhile, one hundred and  twenty thousand people of Nagorno-Karabakh are under blockade for  more than two hundred days now.

"I would like to remind you that on February 22nd , the International  Court of Justice issued a legally binding provisional measure against  Azerbaijan in response to Armenia's case. The Court determined that  there exists an imminent risk of irreparable harm to the rights of  Armenians under the Convention for the Elimination of Racial  Discrimination. It ordered Azerbaijan to undertake all necessary  measures to ensure unrestricted movement of people, vehicles, and  cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

"Regrettably, Azerbaijan has not complied with the international  court's decision and has further exacerbated the humanitarian  situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Since June 15th, Azerbaijan has  completely blocked passage through the Lachin Corridor, including for  the Red Cross and peacekeeping forces. The situation is dire, as the  people of Nagorno-Karabakh are facing rapidly depleting reserves of  food, medicine, and other essential supplies.

"Now, more than ever, it is imperative to focus our attention on the  developments in Nagorno-Karabakh through statements, resolutions,  and, most importantly, concrete actions. We must recognize that the  rights of these people are just as significant as any of ours present  here today. By standing for the rights and security of the people in  Nagorno-Karabakh we stand for our own values of Human Rights which  are universal regardless of their geography."