The representative of the US State Department talks about the need to deliver humanitarian aid to distant Pakistan. To the question of why, in addition to helping Islamabad, aid is not delivered to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), which has been besieged for more than a month and a half, through the pipeline of the United States Development Agency, Ned Price answers: Azerbaijan is called to unblock Artsakh, solve the issue of electricity and gas supply, however, the issue of American humanitarian aid to Artsakh is pending.
Ned Price (US State Department Spokesman) - We have made it clear that the continued suspension of private or commercial traffic through the Lachin Corridor is resulting in shortages of food, fuel and medicine for large numbers of residents. Continuous interruptions of natural gas and other vital necessities further worsen the deteriorating humanitarian situation. We have called for the full movement through the corridor to be restored so that those who use this road can get the supplies they need to ensure their existence.
One can imagine what the international response would be if, say, a city of 120,000 or less was under siege for a while somewhere in the Donbas during the winter months. At the top of the Capitol, the legislators, Ambassador Brownback and public activists spoke at the press conference today about the need to immediately deliver aid to Artsakh.
Brad Sherman (Congressman, California) - I am glad to see that US President Biden, through his Secretary of State, as well as the European Parliament, have condemned this blockade. However, criticizing is not enough because there were no consequences.
Congressman Sherman presented an analysis of Aliyev's attempts to portray special purpose protesters as eco-activists. According to the description of Freedom House, Azerbaijan is an absolute dictatorship. In other words, there is simply no civil activism in this country, and what is happening now is a program of ethnic cleansing, and the blockade of the so-called ecologists is one of the tactical steps to achieve it.
Justin Murff, one of the leaders of the Anglican Church, announced the founding of the Save Karabakh Coalition. It brought together representatives of ethnic Greek, Kurdish structures, Christian associations, academic circles, in addition to the office of the Armenian Cause, Armenian-American lawyers and other community associations and individuals. The sufferings of Armenians have not been adequately addressed for a long time, said Murff. He considers that it was a big mistake and promised on behalf of the Anglican Church that they will not repeat that mistake again.
Justin Murff (Executive Director, The Anglican Office for Government and International Affairs) - We announce the creation of a proactive coalition to save Karabakh. It will sound the alarm and fight for the prevention of another Armenian Genocide, which this time may happen in Nagorno-Karabakh. While the world remains mainly silent, the Azerbaijani forces are aggressively trying to expel the historic Christian community from their centuries-old Homeland.
Congrespersons Judy Chu and David Valadeo were once in Artsakh. Chu said that he personally appealed to the American President to intervene. Legislator from New York Nicole Malliotakis is of Greek origin.
Nicole Malliotakis (Congresswoman, New York) - Food, medicine, electricity, to see how these vital items are used as a weapon against the people of Artsakh is simply heart breaking. The new coalition that was created must be strengthened until this issue is resolved.
Years ago, Sam Brownback himself worked to suspend Section 907, which prohibits direct American aid to Azerbaijan. He said that he hoped that Washington would develop relations with Azerbaijan and Central Asia. Now he has a different opinion.
Sam Brownback (former senator, ambassador) - Now I call on the Biden administration not to cancel resolution 907, if Azerbaijan does not immediately stop the blockade. The sanction should be reaffirmed, because Baku can end the blockade one day, but it does not.
Robert Avetisyan (permanent representative of Artsakh in the USA) - It is clear to us in Artsakh that genocide is the plan of the autocrats of Baku. They leave us two choices: either leave our homes or stay and die of cold and hunger. Our children do not have baby food, the sick do not have medicine, but Artsakh is unbreakable.
The head of the International Christian Care Organization said during a Zoom conversation that they are also talking to the American government and demand a more active intervention.
Jeff King (Executive Director of International Christian Concern) - We are following the situation closely. I think the US President should make a public speech about the current situation. Besides, the United States or the United Nations should start organizing air deliveries to Artsakh. I simply can't imagine that they will dare to shoot down the American planes.
While the report was being prepared, a journalistic inquiry was sent to the United States Development Agency to determine whether USAID is ready to provide support to Artsakh in the current situation. So far, no final answer to this question has been received from the Development Agency.
