The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress has held a hearing on Safeguarding the People of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Congressmen and scholars speaking at the event called on the Biden Administration to pressure Azerbaijan to end the blockade of Lachin Corridor.
Congressman Frank Pallone noted that the Azerbaijani blockade of Lachin Corridor has caused severe shortages of food, medical supplies, drinking water, energy, and other essentials – creating a dire humanitarian crisis for the 120,000 people living in Artsakh.
“As other members and witnesses have clearly stated, this is a man-made crisis purposefully created by the Aliyev regime to severely worsen the quality of life for the people of Artsakh,” Pallone said.
“I think it’s past time that the United States start better leveraging the diplomatic tools at our disposal, including sanctions, to finally bring this purposeful crisis to an end. Our country has a critical role in bringing these aggressions and expansionist behaviors to an end by helping the innocent civilians of Artsakh to live in their lands without the constant fear of attack & supporting their aspirations of self-determination as discussions between Armenia & Azerbaijan are reportedly set to resume…in Washington next week, I call on the Administration to… prevent… militaristic behavior from dictating the terms of a final agreement, as that will not lead to… lasting peace,” he added.
