Matt Carthy
Question:20. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Irish Government's position on the recent Azeri military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. [41461/23]
View answerThursday, 28 September 2023
Questions (20, 44, 56)
Patrick Costello
Question:44. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland will take individually and at a European level in response to renewed aggression by Azerbaijan against Armenia, including military attacks on civilian areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41756/23]
View answer
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:56. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what Ireland's response is to the escalating situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh. [41762/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 44 and 56 together.
The 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. Ireland called for an immediate ceasefire and for a return to dialogue, amplifying the appeal of EU HR/VP Josep Borrell. EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar has travelled to the region and will report back to the EU Members States on his findings.
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 echoes 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, taking part in the special Permanent Council meeting convened on 20 September. The OSCE Chair-in-Office has also been holding high-level meetings with relevant parties. Ireland supports the OSCE’s 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, and senior officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs are in ongoing contact with the parties.
Finally, I welcome the Interim Measures indicated by the European Court of Human Rights on 22 September 2023, which require the Government of Azerbaijan to refrain from taking any measures which might entail breaches of their obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, notably the right to life (Article 2) and the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Article 3).
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.