The 120,000 Armenian population of Artsakh has been under a complete blockade imposed by Azerbaijan for nearly a week now, with the closure of the Lachin Corridor. Deprived of food supplies, medicine, and the right to free movement, the Armenians of Artsakh face a serious humanitarian catastrophe.
We note with regret that the efforts of the Russian peacekeepers have so far not yielded the desired results in curbing the provocations and anti-Armenian actions of the Azerbaijani side. The international community must not remain indifferent or content itself with simple calls for condemnation, which are ignored by the authorities in Baku.
Russia, European institutions, and the United States of America, in view of this situation, are obliged to come to the aid of the civilian population living and working in Nagorno-Karabakh. Countries that consider the protection of human rights a priority must take practical steps to deliver various types of humanitarian assistance to a people suffering under winter conditions.
The Armenian community of Los Angeles strongly condemns Azerbaijan’s genocidal policy aimed at the depopulation of Armenians.
We demand that the White House take practical measures, including establishing an aerial humanitarian bridge and delivering large quantities of food, medicine, hospital equipment, and other necessary goods to Stepanakert airport, to ensure the physical existence of the Armenians of Artsakh in their historic homeland.
We call on the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to join the wave of condemnation, impose sanctions against Azerbaijan, and enforce Section 907, prohibiting all types of military assistance to that country.
These latest developments, including the suspension of gas supplies, once again demonstrate that Nagorno-Karabakh cannot become part of Azerbaijan. The international community must affirm this reality by recognizing the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to free self-determination.
December 21, 2022
Social Democrat Hunchakian Party, Western America Executive Body
Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Western America Central Committee
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Western America Regional Board
Armenian Assembly of America
Kayts Youth Union
Armenian American Council
Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), Western America Central Board
Armenian Legal Union
Armenian Rights Council
Armenian Athletic Union
Armenian Relief Society, Western America Regional Board
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Western Region
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
Union of Constantinople-Armenians
(Adoption of the above statement by organizations is ongoing)
