The European Union is a structure based on values ​​and human rights and promotes the protection of human rights in the world, but, unfortunately, until this moment, the criminal act of Azerbaijan has not received any objective, tangible response.

Gegham Stepanyan, Human Rights Defender of the Artsakh Republic, said at a press conference held in Yerevan today, 13 December, speaking about the serious problem of the closure of the Stepanakert-Goris road by Azerbaijan.

“Of course, geopolitical interests or economic interests seem to always overshadow the human rights agenda and the protection of human rights in the world in general, but this should not be the case with the European Union in particular, because a structure that extends to all parts of the world agenda of human rights, first of all, should start from itself and stand clearly in the positions of protection of those rights.

I think that the European Union should impose sanctions on Azerbaijan for violating the rights of 120,000 people in Artsakh in the most severe and harsh way,” Gegham Stepanyan said.

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Let us remind that on 12 December at around 10:30, the Azerbaijani side, violating the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November, 2020, closed the only way of life connecting Artsakh to the world for environmental reasons, violating the vital interests and rights of the civilian population. They set up tents and brought stoves.

Hundreds of citizens, including minors, cannot return home, some of them temporarily stayed in Syunik Marz.

The transport connection of Lisagor, Mets Shen, Hin Shen and Yegtsahogh villages of Shushi region with the capital Stepanakert is interrupted.