Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nagorno-Karabakh

Tuesday 13 October 2020 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK called for discussion at the UN Security Council on 29 September regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
  • UK is working to urge both parties back to dialogue using the Minsk process.
  • UK has export licences and a rigorous process to review applications for armaments to any country.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Barry Gardiner Lab Brent West
Foreign Affairs
Context

The ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has prompted the UK to call for discussion at the UN Security Council. The MP seeks specific proposals by the government.

Question

What proposals have been put forward by the Government to the UN Security Council regarding a resolution to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh?

Answer from Wendy Morton

We remain deeply concerned about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and call on all parties to take every measure possible to protect civilians. That is why, on 29 September, the UK called for discussion at the UN Security Council.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific proposals put forward by the government were not detailed.

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Q2 Barry Gardiner Lab Brent West
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns have been raised about the potential for Iran to become involved due to its significant Azeri population and Russia's support of Armenia. The MP seeks the government's view on this.

Question

The Minister will know that there are more Azeris living in Iran than there are in Azerbaijan—some 50 million of them, who hold great sway and influence. Russia, on the other hand, is firmly committed to supporting Armenia in this conflict, and that could see the Russian and Iranian co-operation in the Syrian war come under severe strain. What concerns does the Minister have about the potential for Iran to become embroiled in the dispute, and what steps is her Department taking to avoid that situation?

Answer from Wendy Morton

As I clearly indicated, we remain very concerned about this conflict, and the hon. Gentleman is right to raise it. That is why we are continuing to work to urge both parties back to the table to have dialogue, and to use the Minsk process to further that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concerns about Iran becoming involved were not detailed.

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Q3 Alyn Smith
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

There are concerns that UK-made weapons and people may be involved in the conflict, increasing the risk of escalation.

Question

I am grateful to the Minister for that answer. I have two very concrete points. We are all concerned about the risk of a proxy war within this, because there are more than two sides to the conflict. What steps are the UK Government taking to make sure that no UK-made armaments, or indeed UK citizens, are finding their way into this theatre?

Answer from Wendy Morton

Again, the hon. Gentleman is right to raise this important point. On armaments, we have export licences in place and a very rigorous process to deal with applications with regard to any country, and that is always kept under careful and continual review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures against UK citizens involvement were not provided.

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Q4 Alyn Smith
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns about Turkish statements in the wider region and its potential impact on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Question

I gently suggest that there is something for us to follow up in that, because there is a great deal of concern that UK armaments and people are finding their way into this theatre. On a wider point, does the Minister share my concern about Turkey's increasingly belligerent statements in the wider region? She will be aware of yesterday's statement by the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, about the retaking of the Varosha settlement in northern Cyprus, which continues to be illegally occupied. What discussions is she having with Ankara in order to strongly stress our defence of international law?

Answer from Wendy Morton

In terms of Turkey, the Defence Secretary discussed the conflict during a recent visit to Ankara and again agreed that de-escalation was the best option for all. I reiterate that, as the Foreign Secretary has said on previous occasions, we urge all external parties and friends of both states to redouble their efforts in support for an end to these hostilities and to refrain from taking actions that risk deepening the crisis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about discussions with Turkey were not provided.

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Q5 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Foreign Affairs
Context

There is a fragile ceasefire, with risks of escalation due to foreign fighters from Iraq and Syria. Concerns about Turkey's and Russia's arms sales increasing militarisation.

Question

Further to the question of Nagorno-Karabakh, obviously the ceasefire is very fragile, and with the use of foreign fighters from Iraq and Syria, there is a real risk of escalation. What steps are the Government taking to ensure a return to dialogue, as ultimately only through dialogue can this dreadful conflict come to an end? Specifically on Turkey and Russia, what urgent discussions are being carried out in order to try to get them to stop their arms sales so that that does not increase the militarisation and the number of civilians who are tragically being killed in the region?

Answer from Wendy Morton

The hon. Lady makes a very important point reinforcing the need for dialogue. The Foreign Secretary issued two statements with Canadian Foreign Minister Champagne, most recently on 6 October, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table under the auspices of the OSCE group.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details about discussions with Turkey and Russia regarding arms sales were not provided.

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