Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
197. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's position on the recent crisis involving Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, and what steps he has taken in international forums, such as the EC and the UN, to seek to reverse the exodus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50231/23]
View answerAzerbaijan’s military escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh in September resulted in the mass exodus of an estimated 100,000 Karabakh Armenians from the region. The welfare of those who fled, as well as the small number that remain, is our primary concern. Together with our partners, Ireland has been active at European Union level, at the Council of Europe, at the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and at the UN in advocating for their right to live in their homes in dignity, without intimidation or discrimination, as well as to create the conditions for their voluntary, safe, and dignified return.
Azerbaijan has stated that Karabakh Armenians are welcome to return to the region. Ireland has been clear that Azerbaijan bears the responsibility for their rights and security. This includes the effective protection and guarantee of their cultural heritage and property rights. At the recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, we discussed a range of possible further options to support Armenia in light of the influx of Karabakh Armenians which would complement the significant assistance that the EU has provided to date.
Since the outbreak of the crisis, the EU has allocated over €12 million in humanitarian assistance and €15 million in budget support to Armenia, as well as significant non-financial support. Ireland has also provided assistance on a bilateral basis through the Start Fund and People in Need on the ground assisting vulnerable people displaced by the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. We are also providing significant core funding to UNHCR and the ICRC, which are playing an important role in the humanitarian response.
Ireland remains fully supportive of the EU’s role in facilitating negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan with a view to reaching a sustainable over-arching peace agreement that will resolve outstanding issues. I hope that talks at leader-level can take place as soon as possible and Ireland fully supports the efforts of the EU in this regard.
