Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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663. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if action has been taken or considered in view of the targeting of Azerbaijani citizens by the Armenian Government in the missile attacks on Ganja; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33208/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am deeply concerned by the recent clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, in particular along the line of contact, which have regrettably led to the loss of life and severe injury, including civilian casualties. I regret that none of the three recent ceasefires have been honoured and am troubled by continuing reports of hostilities in populated areas, which are having a devastating impact on local civilian populations.

Ireland has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the negotiating table, and we welcome and support the statements of the European Council and the OSCE Minsk Co-Chairs calling for this.

The alleged use of Cluster Munitions in any situation is deeply concerning. They pose unacceptably high risks to civilians, especially when used in populated areas. Furthermore, any indiscriminate use of, or impacts from, cluster munitions would be in contravention of International Humanitarian Law to which both Armenia and Azerbaijan must abide.

Ireland urges both sides to de-escalate tensions by refraining from inflammatory rhetoric and strictly observing the latest ceasefire. Ireland fully supports the Minsk Process and we thank both the High Representative and the Co-Chairs Group for their efforts to de-escalate tensions over recent months.

We will continue to monitor this evolving situation closely.