Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken in relation to the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34399/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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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. This issue was discussed at the European Council of 1 October, where the Taoiseach along with other EU leaders called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged parties to recommit to a lasting ceasefire and the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The European Council clearly stated that there can be no military solution to the conflict, nor any external interference and called on Azerbaijan and Armenia to engage in substantive negotiations without preconditions. Leaders expressed support for the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and asked the EU High Representative to examine further EU assistance for the settlement process.

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.

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.

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.