Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what efforts if any, are in hand in the EU and/or UN to intercede/accommodate the situation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with particular reference to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42081/23]
View answerThe developments in Nagorno-Karabakh are a matter of serious concern to Ireland and our EU partners, and our priority remains the safety of the local population, and 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 the following day there was a significant military escalation by Azerbaijan.
The EU, including President of the European Council Charles Michel, HR/VP Borrell, and EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar are all active in efforts to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive peace in the region, and Ireland is fully supportive of these efforts. EUSR Klaar has travelled to the region and will report back to the EU Members States on his findings.
On 19 September, Ireland called for an immediate ceasefire and for a return to dialogue, amplifying the appeal of EU HR/VP Josep Borrell.
The situation is also being raised at UN level. Following the announcement of a ceasefire on 20 September, during an emergency UN Security Council meeting, 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 these 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 this issue, and took part in the special Permanent Council meeting convened on 20 September to discuss the crisis. The OSCE Chair-in-Office has been holding high-level meetings with relevant parties. Ireland fully supports his efforts to facilitate a sustainable solution to this crisis, with the rights and security of civilians at its core.
The ICRC is the only major humanitarian organisation present in Nagorno-Karabakh, and I welcome their work in providing humanitarian assistance to the local population. Regular and unimpeded access for essential supplies to continue to reach those most in need is essential and Azerbaijan must take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo. I discussed Ireland’s concerns for the welfare of civilians in my call with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan on 11 August.
Ireland will continue to closely monitor the situation and developments on the ground. We 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.
