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01 Apr
Question
Armenia and Azerbaijan: Peace Negotiations

The House of Commons convened for a Question session focused on the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Here's a detailed analysis of the session's dynamics:

  1. Discussions with Counterparts: Jessica Morden initiated the discussion by asking about recent dialogue with Armenian and Azerbaijani officials. Stephen Doughty confirmed that the UK Foreign Secretary held discussions with both Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts on March 19 and 21, indicating the importance placed on facilitating peace talks.
  1. Call for Peaceful Resolution: Doughty further emphasized the need for both Armenian and Azerbaijani sides to finalize and sign a peace agreement promptly. There's an expressed urgency to prevent any rhetoric or actions that might impede peace.
  1. Prisoners' Welfare: Jessica Morden pointed out the humanitarian concerns surrounding 23 Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan and stressed the necessity for ensuring their welfare and fair trials. The Foreign Office was called upon to exert diplomatic pressure to secure their release or improve their conditions.
  1. Commemoration and Mine Clearance: Bob Blackman addressed the historic tragedy, highlighting the importance of aiding Azerbaijan in demining efforts which would restore lands for productive use. Doughty acknowledged this humanitarian challenge and reaffirmed UK's commitment towards demining initiatives.
120,000 Armenians

Displaced due to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Outcome: The session highlighted bipartisan commitment towards supporting peace initiatives between Armenia and Azerbaijan, focusing on humanitarian aspects like prisoner welfare and demining as a path to peace. The importance of signing the peace agreement was unanimously acknowledged, while calls for further diplomatic engagements with Azerbaijani authorities were outlined.

23 detainees

Current detainees in Azerbaijan needing fair trials

Key Statistics:

  • 120,000 Displaced: As a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, this significant number reflects the humanitarian crisis.
  • 23 Detained Individuals: The session underscored their need for fair trials and humane treatment.
  • Dates of Dialogue: The Foreign Secretary's engagement on March 19 and March 21 showcases proactive UK diplomacy.
March 19 and 21

Dates when discussions were held with Azerbaijan and Armenia counterparts

Outcome

The debate consolidated UK support for peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling for swift agreement signing. There was an appeal for diplomatic intervention concerning Armenian detainees and ongoing demining support.

Key Contributions

Jessica Morden
Labour

Inquired about recent discussions concerning peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Stephen Doughty

Confirmed discussions held by the Foreign Secretary with Armenian and Azerbaijani officials.

Bob Blackman
Conservative

Expressed condolences for the anniversary of Azerbaijani tragedy.

Original Transcript
Jessica Morden
Newport East
Lab
Question
UIN: 903548

14. What recent discussions he has had with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts on peace negotiations between those two countries.

The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Stephen Doughty
12:19

I thank my hon. Friend for that important question. The Foreign Secretary spoke with his Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts on 19 and 21 March respectively, and I have also been in contact with representatives of both countries.

We warmly welcome the progress made by both sides on concluding negotiations on the text of a peace agreement, and we urge them both to sign that agreement as soon as possible. We encourage all sides to refrain from rhetoric or actions that undermine the prospects for peace.

Jessica Morden
12:19

This is clearly a critical time for peace in the region. The offensive by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh resulted in the forced displacement of up to 120,000 Armenians and the continued detention of 23 officials and civilians.

There is much concern about the conduct of the trials, their welfare and their access to legal support, so what more can the Minister do to put pressure on the Government of Azerbaijan to look for their release and to get access to the prisoners?

Stephen Doughty
12:19

I thank my hon. Friend for her important work on these issues. The UK has consistently called for the release of all the remaining prisoners of war.

We continue to urge the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure that those detained during the long-standing conflict with Armenia are afforded a fair trial and provided safe conditions.

I raised that specifically with the Azerbaijani President’s special representative in October, and we continue to engage with them on this issue.

Bob Blackman
Harrow East
Con
12:19

Yesterday was the anniversary of the attempted genocide of the Azerbaijani people by the Armenians, and I am sure the whole House will issue its condolences for that purpose. In the newly liberated territories of Nagorno-Karabakh, hundreds of mines are still being cleared by hand.

What action will the Government offer to support Azerbaijan in removing those mines so that the land can be used for beneficial purposes?

Stephen Doughty
12:19

The hon. Gentleman rightly raises the issue of mines. He will know the important role that this country has played in de-mining efforts around the world.

I am very happy to write to him with the details of where we are on that in relation to Azerbaijan, and we have discussed that with them on a number of occasions.

The most important thing is that we continue to work towards the signing of that peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia so that the people of those two countries, with which we have strong relationships, can live in peace and harmony alongside one another.

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All content derived from official parliamentary records