Caliber.Az analyst puts realities against allegations on BBC News Humanitarian aid, Lachin road and more/VIDEO

Caliber.Az political analyst Orkhan Amashov joined UK-based lawyer Rodney Dixon in discussions on BBC News about the political and humanitarian situation in the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan.

The TV programme’s host referred solely to a report by Armenia-sponsored Argentine lawyer Luis Moreno Ocampo’s one-sided report to address questions to Amashov and Dixon about the situation in Garabagh.

The host centered on Ocampo’s allegations about “genocide” in the Azerbaijani region, as well as the so-called “blockade” on the Lachin road, which were denounced by Amashov and Dixon with facts.

Dixon said Ocampo has made “serious allegations” talking about the “genocide” and it should be removed from his report.

Amashov focused primarily on the efforts of the government of Azerbaijan to send a humanitarian aid to the Armenian-origin minority living in Garabagh. He said two lorries dispatched by the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society are still stuck in the Aghdam region due to refusal from the Armenians to accept it.

“On the basis of what we have seen from social media, on the basis of photos and videos, it is very clear that there are certain Armenians in Garabagh enjoying the life of plenty. But, of course, there are those who are not in the best circumstances. To be able to fix this issue, Azerbaijan has offered [to use] Aghdam-Khankendi road repeatedly,” Amashov said, referring to Baku’s proposal to use the mentioned route for humanitarian supplies to Garabagh.

“Currently, at the entrance to the Aghdam-Khankendi road, two trucks provided by the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society are waiting to gain access and those trucks contain 40 tonnes of flour,” he said.  

Moreover, Amashov also delivered hard facts about the Lachin road’s availability for humanitarian movement, including for those in medical needs.

According to him, based on a July 15 agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Aghdam-Khankendi road must be operational for humanitarian supplies simultaneously with the Lachin road. However, while Azerbaijan ensures safe movement on the latter, the Armenian side is still rejecting to deliver on its commitments regarding the Aghdam-Khankendi highway.

“We have to understand why Lachin road is not suitable for the purpose of transportation of large humanitarian convoys. Because there are massive security risks there. On June 15, there was a shooting incident. And then late in early July, the Karabakh Armenians were trying to use the cars belonging to ICRC [International Committee of Red Cross] in order to be able to smuggle unauthorized goods to Garabagh,” Amashov said.

He added that on April 23, Azerbaijan established a border checkpoint at the entrance to the Lachin road after multiple facts of illegal arms supplies to Garabagh by the Armenian side.

“From April 23 for two months that road was fully operational with Armenians using their private vehicles being able to travel via the Lachin road,” he noted.

In response to the TV anchor’s claims about the closure of the Lachin road during a protest action by the civil society members and eco-activists from Azerbaijan from December 2022 to April 23, Amashov said no blockage was observed on the road despite the gathering of the protesters on it.

“When the eco-protest was underway, that road was open for the movement of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and ICRC in both directions. And after April 23 that road was open for Armenians residing in Garabagh using their private cars and moving in both directions. And after June 15 there was a temporary suspension of movement,” Amashov said, referring to a shooting of the Azerbaijani border guards by the Armenian military, wounding one of the guards.

Allegations by Argentine lawyer versus realities by #CaliberAz's analyst @OrkhanAmashov & Rodney Dixon: #BBC News focuses political & humanitarian situation in #Garabagh#news #Azerbaijan #caliber #media #Karabakh #KarabakhisAzerbaijan pic.twitter.com/0DXwV3ATDw

— Caliber English (@CaliberEnglish) September 6, 2023