A regular Cabinet meeting was held today, chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Before discussing the issues on the agenda, the Prime Minister made a speech, referring to the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border situation. In his speech, Nikol Pashinyan noted:

"Dear participants of the Cabinet meeting,

Dear people,

The humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains tense due to the closure of the Lachin Corridor. Gas and electric power supplies to Nagorno Karabakh continue to be suspended.

Another shocking incident happened yesterday, when a group of residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, who were on their way from Goris to Stepanakert, were again not allowed to return to their homes. This documented case once again demonstrates our previous assessments on this situation, and these assessments are further intensified in the light of the decision of the International Court of Justice of February 22, 2023, according to which Azerbaijan must take all measures to restore the full functioning of the Lachin Corridor. Yesterday’s incident once again recorded that the judgment of the international court is not being implemented, and we must continue our international, diplomatic efforts arising from this.

Dear attendees,

Dear people,

I informed during the previous Cabinet meeting that due to the commissioning of the new Kornidzor-Tegh highway connecting the Republic of Armenia to the Lachin Corridor, there will be a change in the route to the Lachin Corridor, as a result of which the border guard troops of the Republic of Armenia will have to take over the protection of the 12-kilometer section of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The reason is that until then, direct protection of the mentioned part of the border was not carried out either by Armenia or Azerbaijan, according to the agreement reached last year for ensuring the temporary route of the Lachin Corridor.

And, as it is known, certain problems arose during the launch of direct protection of the border, which was reported by the National Security Service, emphasizing that during the deployment of both sides, misreadings of maps took place. In some places, according to the assessment of the Armenian side, the Azerbaijani side positioned itself and carried out engineering works 100-300 meters ahead of the border, in the territory of Armenia. After that, it was agreed that cartographers from both sides would correct the situation. During this period, work was carried out to adjust the points of deployment of the border guards, and the situation improved to a certain extent. In particular, the deployment points in the section of the 7 kilometers out of 12 kilometers have been clarified, the works on 5 kilometers are ongoing.

Our attitude was and remains avoiding escalation of the situation. I hope that the adjustment of the deployment points will be carried out in a constructive atmosphere. At least that's our readiness.

Dear participants of the Cabinet meeting,

Dear people,

In this volatile and uncertain global environment, we need strong nerves and restraint not to give in to the forces interested in exploding the regional situation. Against all odds, the Government of the Republic of Armenia tirelessly reaffirms its commitment to the peace agenda.

Thank you."