Asked by: Olivia Blake (Labour - Sheffield, Hallam)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an estimate of the number of (a) British citizens, (b) dual nationals and (c) family members of British citizens affected by Azerbaijan's military offensive in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
The UK Government has not made an assessment of this nature. However, we are in regular contact with the Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan and their Embassies in the UK, as well as through our Embassies in Armenia and Azerbaijan, and we use this dialogue to ensure we can provide the latest advice to those living or travelling in Armenia or Azerbaijan. We encourage all British nationals to consult our Travel Advice when considering whether to travel to regions affected by this conflict.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help de-escalate recent violence in Artsakh or Nagorno-Karabakh.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
The UK Government was clear in publicly calling for an end to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, and has called on all parties to avoid any future escalatory actions. Ministers have raised the importance of de-escalation directly with Azerbaijani counterparts. Lord Ahmed met Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov on the 23 September in New York, I [Minister Docherty] called Bayramov on 28 September and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Bayramov on 17 October. Ministers have also engaged with Armenia on issues relating to the conflict. I [Minister Docherty] spoke to Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan on the 28 September, and the Foreign Secretary called Mirzoyan on 10 October.
Asked by: Stephen Doughty (Labour (Co-op) - Cardiff South and Penarth)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the humanitarian and security situation in Nagorno-Karabakh; and when he last spoke to his counterparts in (a) Armenia and (b) Azerbaijan.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
The security situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has improved since the 20 September ceasefire, which has held since 23 September. However, the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the significant refugee flows from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia, has placed local communities under immense pressure. It is vital that international humanitarian organisations have independent access into Nagorno-Karabakh, so they can assess humanitarian need and respond appropriately. We therefore welcome Azerbaijan's decision on 1 October to allow UN agencies into Nagorno-Karabakh, to complement ongoing efforts by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Foreign Secretary spoke to his Armenian counterpart on 10 and will speak to his Azerbaijani counterpart on 18 October. I [Minister Docherty] spoke to both Foreign Ministers on 28 September".
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Coventry (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Azerbaijan to allow international observers into Nagorno-Karabakh to monitor the ceasefire agreement of 20 September.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
It is vital that international humanitarian organisations have independent access into Nagorno-Karabakh, so they can assess humanitarian need and respond appropriately. His Majesty's Ambassador to Baku raised this with Azerbaijani officials, We therefore welcome Azerbaijan's decision on 1 October to allow UN agencies into Nagorno-Karabakh, to complement ongoing efforts by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Feb. 08 2024
Source Page: UK & Malaysia: a modern, equal partnership, speech by Ailsa Terry CMGFound: Azerbaijan gaining control over Nagorno-Karabakh and expelling 100,000 ethnic Armenians.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Coventry (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the government of Azerbaijan’s military offensive of 19 September in Nagorno-Karabakh; and what representations they have made to that government to encourage it to cease the offensive to allow for a resumption of negotiations with Karabakh Armenians on outstanding issues.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The return of conflict to Nagorno-Karabakh on 19 September was devastating for the local population; the subsequent ceasefire announced on 20 September must now be upheld by all parties. The Azerbaijani Government must continue to engage in talks with ethnic Armenian representatives in Nagorno-Karabakh and ensure that it delivers on its humanitarian commitments. I [Lord Ahmad] raised this at the UN Security Council on 21 September and with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on 23 September. Direct dialogue is the only way to secure stability and security for the region.
Formal Minutes May. 29 2024
Committee: Petitions CommitteeFound: active time with parents 24 Take action to evacuate and support Sudanese civilians and end Sudan conflict
Written Evidence May. 08 2024
Inquiry: Implications of the war in Ukraine for UK DefenceFound: would likely be increased, even without any deliberate Russian provocation, in territories such as Nagorno-Karabakh
Oral Evidence Oct. 25 2023
Inquiry: The UK and the Western BalkansFound: investigation is ongoing, as you know, but it seems to be pointing to certain links between the armed
Oral Evidence Nov. 07 2023
Inquiry: Armed Forces ReadinessFound: I do not think it is likely that we are going to find ourselves drawn into combat or conflict in the