The International Court of Justice pubilshes the decision on Armenia’s request to apply provisional measures regarding the unblocking of the Lachin Corridor.

The Court notes that the Statement by the RA Prime Minister, President of Azerbaijan and President of the RF of 9 November 2020 provides, inter alia, that the Lachin Corridor, shall provide a connection between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia as well as shall remain under the control of the Russian Federation peacemaking forces.

“In the present case, having considered the terms of the provisional measures requested by Armenia and the circumstances of the case, the Court finds that the measures to be indicated need not be identical to those requested. The Court concludes that Azerbaijan shall, pending the final decision in the case and in accordance with its obligations under the CERD, take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions”, the Decision of the Court reads.

One of Armenia’s demands was also that Azerbaijan stop organizing and supporting the alleged “protest actions”. The Court found that this claim was unfounded.

Regarding ensuring the uninterrupted supply of gas and other utility services, the Court noted that Armenia did not provide sufficient evidence that it is Azerbaijan that disrupts the uninterrupted supply of services. “Therefore, this measure is not applicable.”

Therefore, the Court decides to apply the following provisional measure: “The Republic of Azerbaijan is obliged to take all measures to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions before making a final decision in this case.”

It should be reminded that Armenia requested to apply the following provisional measures:

• Azerbaijan must stop organizing and supporting alleged “protests” that are blocking unhindered free movement in both directions through the Lachin Corridor.
• Azerbaijan should ensure uninterrupted free movement of all people, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.
• Azerbaijan must immediately fully restore and refrain from disrupting or obstructing the supply of natural gas and other utilities to Nagorno Karabakh.

The decision on the request to apply a provisional measure submitted by Azerbaijan will also be published today.