The International Court of Justice, or the World Court, today issued a decree ordering Azerbaijan open the Lachin Corridor, which they have held closed since December 12th. The Lachin corridor is the only road connecting Armenia and the breakaway Republic of Artsakh. Azerbaijan is to “take all measures at its disposal to ensure the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.”
The corridor is blockaded by self-proclaimed “environmental activists”, claiming to protest an “illegal” mining project. The mining project has since been stopped, and many of the protestors have been shown to have connections to the Azeri government and military. Despite many international calls to open the corridor, it remains closed. Shortages of foods, medicines, and other essentials have become widespread as certain things begin to be rationed. Azerbaijan has cut off gas supplies several times, causing schools to install wood stoves in order to remain in operation.
The courts resolution is binding, though they have no means of enforcement.
