Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
40. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the crisis in the Artsakh Republic-Ngorno Karabach region; if any efforts are under way at national or European level to protect the population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36001/23]
View answerI am concerned by reports of repeated clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as along the border and am following developments closely. The humanitarian impact of this conflict on the civilian population remains Ireland’s focus, and I commend the important work of the International Committee of the Red Cross to mitigate the adverse effects of the crisis. As the only major humanitarian organisation present in the South Caucasus, it plays a key role in the provision of essential assistance to the Armenian population in Karabakh.
On 21 December 2022, the European Court of Human Rights indicated interim measures to the Government of Azerbaijan requiring them to take all measures within their jurisdiction to ensure safe passage through the Lachin corridor of seriously ill persons in need of medical treatment in Armenia, and others who were stranded on the road without shelter or means of subsistence. More recently, on 6 July 2023, the International Court of Justice reaffirmed the preliminary measure indicated in its Order of 22 February 2023 requiring Azerbaijan to take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions. The EU took note of this binding Order, and Ireland supports the EU’s call on the Azerbaijani authorities to guarantee the freedom and safety of movement and to address any concerns through dialogue.
Ireland also supports the mediation efforts of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, between the two leaders, with the sixth round of negotiations hosted last week. I understand President Michel intends to host further negotiations in Brussels after the summer.
Ireland has consistently advocated for continued engagement between the parties to achieve a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, including on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh.
