Nagorno-Karabakh Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Lord Crisp
Main Page: Lord Crisp (Crossbench - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Crisp's debates with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
(3 years, 6 months ago)
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Baroness Sugg (Con)
My Lords, Russia of course has long historical links with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. We do not consider that the co-chairmanship of the Minsk Group conflicts with its political interests. A peaceful settlement to the conflict should be in Russia’s interest and we continue to support the Russians in their role as co-chairs.
Lord Crisp (CB) [V]
My Lords, I know from Armenian friends how tragic this is and I understand the potential for this conflict to increase regional instability, and I am therefore pleased with the steps that the Government are taking. However, what discussions have Her Majesty’s Government had with the Turkish Government and what pressure do they believe that our Government and the international community can bring to bear to prevent Turkey’s further intervention in this conflict?
Baroness Sugg (Con)
The noble Lord rightly highlights the situation in which many civilians find themselves in this conflict, which is why we are keen to do everything we can to de-escalate it. On relations with Turkey, on 28 September, the Prime Minister spoke to President Erdoğan. They agreed on the importance of a return to dialogue. As I have said, we will do all that we can to urge the parties to avoid any external interference.