Written answers

Thursday, 1 October 2020

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Conflicts

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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169. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the military attack by Azerbaijani forces on the Armenian territories of Nagorno-Karabakh which occurred at the end of September 2020 and left Armenian citizens dead will be condemned; if he will seek support from his EU counterparts for a united position against Azerbaijani aggression; and if he will request the UN to intervene to de-escalate tensions in the region. [27999/20]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland strongly condemns the recent violence along the line of contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has led to the loss of life, including civilian casualties. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all sides. 

Ireland fully supports the statement of EU  High Representative Josep Borrell on Sunday 27 September and the statement of the OSCE Minsk Co-Chairs Group that same day. The EU will continue to monitor the situation and Ireland will play an active role in discussions of any EU reaction.  

UN Secretary General Guterres has called the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to diffuse tensions and the matter was raised at the UN Security Council on Tuesday.  

We urge both sides to de-escalate tensions by refraining from inflammatory rhetoric and strictly observing the ceasefire. As we know from our own history, only through negotiation and dialogue can there be a sustainable resolution and eventual reconciliation.  

All parties should demonstrate calm and restraint and we encourage Armenia and Azerbaijan to re-engage with the Minsk Co-Chairs Group and return to the negotiating table.

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