Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2023
23. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his engagements with representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan and his European counterparts with regard to the humanitarian situation and the ongoing conflict in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50150/23]
View answerThe situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the wider region remains a matter of deep concern to my EU counterparts and I, particularly in light of the fallout from the military action initiated by Azerbaijan in the region on 19 September. Ireland’s focus remains on ensuring the welfare and protection of any civilians who remain in Nagorno-Karabakh, and of those who have fled to Armenia.
The situation in the region remains high on the EU agenda, and has featured regularly on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council. It was most recently discussed at the November Council earlier this week. Ireland supports EU efforts to facilitate negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan with a view to arriving at a sustainable over-arching peace agreement. It had been hoped that a trilateral meeting would take place in the margins of the European Political Community meeting in Granada. However, unfortunately, President Aliyev opted not to attend the Summit. I hope that negotiations between Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev facilitated by President Michel will take place as soon as possible.
The situation was also discussed at the October European Council, and the European Union agreed Council Conclusions which underline the EU’s continued support for advancing a sustainable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the principles of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. The agreed conclusions also underscored the importance of ensuring the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians including those who wish to return to their homes.
Ireland has also been engaged at the bilateral level regarding the situation in the region. On 11 August, I had a phone call with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan and expressed my concern at the alarming reports of the deteriorating humanitarian situation at that time.
The Taoiseach met with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan at the European Political Community Summit in Grenada on 05 October to discuss the situation. He expressed concern at the plight of Karabakh Armenians, who have felt forced to flee their homeland en masse, and outlined EU and Irish support for those displaced.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs have met with both the Azerbaijani and Armenian Ambassadors to Ireland. They emphasised our concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of these developments and reiterated our support for the resumption of negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues.
Ireland will continue to remain engaged, to encourage efforts towards a sustainable and lasting peace, and to ensure the welfare of Karabakh Armenians displaced by the conflict, and those remaining in Nagorno-Karabkakh.
