Red Cross gives evasive reasons for using Azerbaijan's Lachin checkpoint for smuggling

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has given evasive reasons for using Azerbaijan's Lachin checkpoint for smuggling purposes.

"The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is aware of the information about undeclared goods being carried through Lachin Road and does not support such activities. No such goods have been seen on any ICRC vehicle. All humanitarian cargoes are checked by Azerbaijani customs officers," the press service of the Azerbaijani representation of the ICRC told Caliber.Az.

It noted with regret that the drivers, without informing the committee, tried to carry undeclared goods for commercial purposes using rented four trucks, which temporarily had the ICRC logo.

"Those drivers were not ICRC staff and their employment contract was immediately terminated.

Our work on the Lachin road is humanitarian. We transported 600 patients and delivered medicines and products, including baby food. Permission to continue such activities must be granted. Humanitarian activities are always carried out by consent of the parties and benefit thousands of people," the ICRC emphasized.

The ICRC's explanations sound rather strange, given earlier reports from the State Border Service. According to them, the ICRC was warned through official channels about illegal actions, which, nevertheless, were repeated. Moreover, the necessary measures to stop them were never taken. The SBS also showed in the video ICRC vehicles being used to transport smuggled goods. Thus, the ICRC, with its statement today, seems to be calling: "Don't believe your eyes, believe us." Which is strange, to say the least.