Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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577. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take either alone or through the European Union to uphold international law in the Lachin corridor to protect Armenian citizens currently facing blockade and starvation in the area, and to ensure the opening of the Lachin corridor (details supplied). [13968/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I was concerned by the renewed fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan last year, and by reports of the ongoing obstruction of the Lachin corridor since 12 December. It is clear that these developments severely impact the civilian population, in particular ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh. The blockade also increases the chances of an escalation occurring. We stress that all concerns of Azerbaijan about the usage of the corridor can, and should, be addressed exclusively through dialogue.

The European Union took note of the binding Order issued by the International Court of Justice, indicating that Azerbaijan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.

The EU reiterated in its statement of 23 February the call on the Azerbaijani authorities, and all those responsible, to guarantee the freedom and safety of movement along the Lachin corridor, in line with commitments undertaken under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020. The statement also underscored the vital need to ensure uninterrupted supplies of gas, electricity and other services to the affected population.

Ireland supports those calls and increased EU engagement in the South Caucasus, to promote greater security and stability in the region. At the 23 January meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, I supported a Council Decision establishing a civilian Common Security and Defence Policy Mission in Armenia.

We repeatedly stressed the need for a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, including on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh. During our tenure on the UN Security Council Ireland called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the implementation of a ceasefire. Armed confrontation will not provide any lasting resolution to the dispute. This can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Ireland therefore supports the efforts of European Council President PEC Charles Michel to mediate in the conflict by hosting high-level talks. We also support a return to the OSCE Minsk Group format.

Moreover, the government is engaging at the bilateral level in support of the EU’s conflict resolution efforts. Minister of State Burke met with the Azerbaijani Ambassador in February and with the Armenian Ambassador earlier this month. My officials are also in regular contact with the two Embassies.

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is decades long and requires coordinated and sustained efforts by both sides and international partners to advance the prospects of arriving at a comprehensive resolution. We will continue to play our part. While doing so Ireland will always have the interests of the civilian population and their human rights as our main focus.