Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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350. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the latest military clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh; his views on whether such incidents could lead to a dangerous escalation and possible conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11285/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has deteriorated significantly in the past 12 months following a serious outbreak of violence in April 2016. I am deeply concerned by the ongoing tensions and violence, including reports of a serious military escalation on 25 February which resulted in tragic loss of life.

Ireland fully supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group to make progress in resolving this conflict. I would call on all those involved to engage actively with the OSCE Minsk Group with a view to reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict and avoiding potential destabilisation of the broader region. Ireland knows, from long experience, that only dialogue can deliver progress towards a peaceful outcome.