By signing this petition we kindly demand from the United Nations Security Council to review the current situation at Stepanakert Airport, capital of Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).

With the liberation of Artsakh region, Stepanakert Airport has been under the control of the Republic of Artsakh since 1992.

The airport lies close to borderline with Azerbaijan and due to the ongoing conflict between both countries for recognition of Artsakh as "independent republic", it remains suspended from any flight operation.

Stepanakert Airport is located at 610 meters altitude above sea level. It has one runaway, designated with an asphalt surface measuring 2178 meters length.

RENOVATION AND SUSPENSION OF OPERATION:

Shortly after the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Civil Aviation Department statement announcing 09 May 2011 as opening date, the Director of Azerbaijan Civil Aviation Administration warned that flights to/from Stepanakert Airport are not authorized and may be shot down. 

In May 2012, Director of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Civil Aviation Administration announced that the airport would begin operations in mid 2012. However, to this date Artsakh airspace remains closed by Azerbaijan's NOTAM and flight operations are suspended at Stepanakert Airport due to the imposed security threat from Azerbaijani side. 

Flight operations shall resume at Stepanakert Airport and the people of Artsakh should have the legal right for normal air transportation services and more convenient cargo shipment movement.

Thus, we kindly seek interference from both the United Nations Security Council, United Nations Human Rights Council and the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) to find a common solution. Whether that may be through diplomatic channels between all concerned parties, or by deploying special international monitoring team to control the airport management and its operation, a step forward should be taken to resolve this pending issue asap. 

The closure of Stepanakert Airport due to the ongoing conflict and the threat embargo imposed by Azerbaijan is completely against human rights. People cannot be restricted from air transportation and their freedom should not have any connection with the status of the territory they live in...

On behalf of 150.000 Artsakh population and 11 million Armenians in the entire world, we raise our voices seeking permanent solution, to lift the imposed embargo and resume normal flight operations at Stepanakert Airport.

From the people of Artsakh and Armenians all over the world.