Councilmember Raman Issues Statement Condemning Azerbaijan’s Blockade Of Artsakh

For Immediate Release: December 27, 2022

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LOS ANGELES — Today, LA City Councilmember Nithya Raman released a statement in response to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor. Councilmember Raman represents the Fourth Council District, home to one of largest Armenian populations in the City of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. 

Councilmember Raman’s statement is as follows:

“For over two weeks, Azerbaijan has imposed a blockade of the Lachin corridor – the only road connecting the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh. This restriction on the freedom of movement is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis for nearly 120,000 ethnic Armenians including 30,000 children who regularly rely on food, medical care, and gas. A critically-ill man who required a medical transfer to Armenia died as he was denied entry. During some of the harshest moments of winter, the people of Artsakh are forced to ration their food and lack access to heat after Azerbaijan cut off a major gas supply.

This is not an isolated incident and is a reflection of Azerbaijan’s systematic policies that are forcing indigenous Armenians out of their ancestral homeland. Azerbaijan will continue to engage in acts of war against Artsakh and Armenia until the international community holds it responsible for its actions against the only thriving democracy in the region. We have the responsibility to ensure the safety of these peaceful nations from their hostile neighbors. I urge the Biden Administration to use all available diplomatic tools, including withholding financial support, to end the blockade.”

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