Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
99. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline Ireland's position on the need to reopen the Lachin corridor route between Nagorno- Karabach and Armenia; if Ireland would raise the issue directly with our European partners and the United Nations, with a view towards ensuring through passage by means of humanitarian corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41057/23]
View answerThe significant developments in Nagorno-Karabakh are a matter of serious concern to Ireland and our EU partners, and our priority remains the humanitarian situation on the ground. On 18 September, we were encouraged by the simultaneous passage of humanitarian supplies from Armenia via the Lachin corridor and from Azerbaijan via Aghdam into Nagorno-Karabakh. However, as you will be aware, the following day, on 19 September, there was a significant military escalation by Azerbaijan in the region. We promptly reacted, calling for an immediate ceasefire and for a return to dialogue, amplifying the appeal of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) Josep Borrell.
In the context of a ceasefire announcement to come into effect at 1pm local time on 20 September, the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) was swiftly convened and a meeting took place that day to receive a briefing on recent developments from EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar, and the European External Action Service (EEAS). The EU remains ready to provide humanitarian assistance and, on 21 September, the European Commission confirmed the mobilisation of €500,000 to support the populations affected by the escalation of hostilities, in addition to €1.17 million in humanitarian assistance provided already this year.
At the UN Security Council meeting convened on 21 September, HR/VP Borrell underscored Azerbaijan’s responsibility to ensure full respect for the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, and appealed to Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. Ireland echoed the HR/VP’s calls for respect for the ceasefire, and for immediate engagement by the parties in genuine and comprehensive dialogue.
Ireland has also been engaged at the OSCE on these developments, taking part in the special Permanent Council meeting convened on 20 September at the request of Armenia. During this meeting, the EU stressed the importance of humanitarian access, and urged the use of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the situation. The OSCE Chair-in-Office has also been holding high-level meetings with relevant parties to emphasise the paramount importance of meeting the humanitarian needs of civilians. As expressed in his 20 September statement, the OSCE Chair-in-Office also stands ready to facilitate dialogue, and Ireland expressed our support for the OSCE’s efforts to facilitate a sustainable solution to this crisis, with the rights and security of civilians at its core.
Ireland will continue to engage at the bilateral, EU and multilateral level to reiterate the humanitarian imperative of protecting the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, as well as the EU and OSCE's commitment to support the resumption of negotiations in view of concluding a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
