Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict 2023-05-02
2023-05-02
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the implications of the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for UK policies.
What recent assessment has he made of the implications for his policies of the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
The UK values our relationships with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and we work together on shared interests to advance regional stability, security and prosperity. There is no military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We continue to urge the parties to engage in substantive negotiations to secure a sustainable and peaceful settlement.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific impact on UK policies was not directly addressed.
Values Our Relationships
Work Together On Shared Interests
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP attended a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the Armenian genocide and inquired about UK's stance on formal recognition.
I recently attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph commemorating the Armenian genocide 108 years ago. I was with His Excellency Varuzhan Nersesyan, the Armenian ambassador. With that in mind, can my hon. Friend tell me why the United Kingdom has not yet formally recognised the genocide, as many other countries have done?
Of course, it is a very sensitive subject, but the policy of the UK Government is that recognition of genocide is a matter for judicial decision rather than for Governments or non-judicial bodies. When an international legal body makes a judgment that the crime constitutes a genocide, that is a deciding factor in whether we use that term.
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Assessment & feedback
The direct reason for not recognizing was avoided by citing judicial process instead of a political decision.
Judicial Decision
Not For Governments Or Non-Judicial Bodies
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is deteriorating, with NGOs warning of ethnic cleansing and a blockade affecting Armenians.
In Nagorno-Karabakh, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. More than a dozen non-governmental organisations, including Genocide Watch, have stated that the conditions are ripe for ethnic cleansing. That is a very concerning situation for the 120,000 Armenians who live there. What further pressure can the Government bring to bear to end the blockade of the Lachin corridor?
We take this extremely seriously. We have urged all parties to return to the negotiating table and to reopen the Lachin corridor. I have spoken directly to the Foreign Ministers of both nations about this. Of course, we are very pleased that we have provided £1 million of humanitarian assistance to the International Committee of the Red Cross following the 2020 conflict.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments to lift the blockade were not detailed.
Urged All Parties
Spoken Directly
£1 Million Humanitarian Assistance
Response accuracy