Written answers
Thursday, 28 September 2023
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Foreign Conflicts
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what efforts if any, are in hand in the EU and/or UN to intercede/accommodate the situation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with particular reference to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42081/23]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The developments in Nagorno-Karabakh are a matter of serious concern to Ireland and our EU partners, and our priority remains the safety of the local population, and the humanitarian situation on the ground. On 18 September, we were encouraged by the simultaneous passage of humanitarian supplies from Armenia via the Lachin corridor and from Azerbaijan via Aghdam into Nagorno-Karabakh. However the following day there was a significant military escalation by Azerbaijan.
The EU, including President of the European Council Charles Michel, HR/VP Borrell, and EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar are all active in efforts to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive peace in the region, and Ireland is fully supportive of these efforts. EUSR Klaar has travelled to the region and will report back to the EU Members States on his findings.
On 19 September, Ireland called for an immediate ceasefire and for a return to dialogue, amplifying the appeal of EU HR/VP Josep Borrell.
The situation is also being raised at UN level. Following the announcement of a ceasefire on 20 September, during an emergency UN Security Council meeting, HR/VP Borrell underscored Azerbaijan’s responsibility to ensure full respect for the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, and appealed to Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. Ireland echoed these calls for respect for the ceasefire, and for immediate engagement by the parties in genuine and comprehensive dialogue.
Ireland has also been engaged at the OSCE on this issue, and took part in the special Permanent Council meeting convened on 20 September to discuss the crisis. The OSCE Chair-in-Office has been holding high-level meetings with relevant parties. Ireland fully supports his efforts to facilitate a sustainable solution to this crisis, with the rights and security of civilians at its core.
The ICRC is the only major humanitarian organisation present in Nagorno-Karabakh, and I welcome their work in providing humanitarian assistance to the local population. Regular and unimpeded access for essential supplies to continue to reach those most in need is essential and Azerbaijan must take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo.I discussed Ireland’s concerns for the welfare of civilians in my call with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan on 11 August.
Ireland will continue to closely monitor the situation and developments on the ground. We will continue to engage at the bilateral, EU and multilateral level to reiterate the humanitarian imperative of protecting the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, as well as the EU and OSCE's commitment to supportthe resumption of negotiations in view of concluding a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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128. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current position of the activity of warlords in Africa, with particular reference to the activities of Al Shabaab and Boko Haram; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42085/23]
Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland strongly condemns the violence perpetrated by Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, and we are supporting efforts to reduce their influence and assist populations affected by their actions.
During our term as an elected member of the UN Security Council, Ireland played an important role in the drafting and introduction of the mandate for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with its critical role in combatting Al-Shabaab. Ireland remains engaged through the EU, which is the Mission's primary source of funding. ATMIS, together with the three EU Common Security and Defence Policy Missions in the Horn of Africa, is helping to create conditions for a transfer of security responsibility to the Somali authorities. Ireland has also provided €58 million in direct humanitarian assistance to Somalia since 2015. This includes €9 million made available at the end of 2022 as part of a package of emergency assistance of €30 million in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis across the Horn of Africa.
In areas in which Boko Haram is active, Ireland is likewise playing its part in helping to tackle the causes and consequences of armed conflict and forced displacement. Since 2015, we have provided over €37 million in bilateral assistance for the Lake Chad region, including North-East Nigeria. Ireland is also contributing directly to peace and security efforts. Through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the UN Peacebuilding Commission, the UN is working to stabilise the Lake Chad region. During Ireland's term on the Security Council we were co-penholder with Niger and subsequently Ghana on the UNOWAS file. Ireland is also a member of the International Support Group of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy for the Lake Chad Basin, and has observer status at the Sahel Alliance.
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