The International Court of Justice on 22 February published its decision on Armenia’s request for the application of a provisional measure regarding the reopening of the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor, reaching the conclusion (by 13 votes to 2) that Azerbaijan is obliged, in accordance with its undertakings, to take all measures within its power to ensure the uninterrupted movement of persons and vehicles through the Lachin corridor in both directions.
With regard to the urgent measures presented by Armenia, the Court found that since 12 December 2022 the connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia through the Lachin corridor has been disrupted. The Court noted that this situation has given rise to a series of consequences, and that this impact persists to this day. The Court noted that the information at its disposal shows that the disruption of movement through the Lachin corridor has impeded the transfer of persons of Armenian national origin in hospitals in Nagorno-Karabakh to medical institutions in Armenia for urgent medical care. The Court also noted that the evidence shows that obstacles exist to the importation of essential goods into Nagorno-Karabakh, giving rise to shortages of food, medicine and other medical supplies necessary for life.
Not deeming sufficient Azerbaijan’s assurances and commitments that Azerbaijan continues to ensure the safe movement of persons, vehicles and cargo through the Lachin corridor, the Court granted Armenia’s request for the application of a provisional measure and obliged Azerbaijan, until the final decision in the case of Armenia v. Azerbaijan, to take all measures to guarantee the uninterrupted movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo through the Lachin corridor in both directions.
Addressing Azerbaijan’s alleged claims regarding mining submitted against Armenia, the Court rejected those claims in their entirety.
Armenia will pursue the implementation of the Court’s decisions by Azerbaijan and will notify the Court of any violation that comes to light during the entire period of the examination of the case of Armenia v. Azerbaijan.
