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MP Gegham Manukyan of the opposition Hayastan bloc dismissed the Armenian authorities’ “dangerous” claims that Russia is solely responsible for the normal functioning of the Lachin corridor under the Moscow-brokered agreement that ended the 2020 Artsakh war.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the deputy underscored that Armenia, too, signed the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020 and, accordingly, Yerevan also bears its share of responsibility for ensuring unhindered traffic along the corridor.

At the same time, Manukyan believes that the public pressure over the Lachin corridor is forcing the Armenian authorities to take urgent measures to reduce tensions. He cited Tuesday’s phone call between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in that regard.

"However, the efforts made by the authorities to open the corridor are extremely poor. Yerevan does not use all its toolkits. Moreover, the statements that Armenia does not interfere in negotiations with Azerbaijan to end the road blockade put the Artsakh Republic in an extremely difficult situation," the MP stated.

Manukyan also said parliamentary hearings on an opposition-drafted resolution on the Azerbaijani blockade of Artsakh are scheduled for 3 February.

The Lachin corridor, which is the sole road linking Artsakh to Armenia, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December.