Asked by: Tim Loughton (Conservative - East Worthing and Shoreham)
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 implications for his policies of the recent attacks on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
The UK Government is clear that there is no military solution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. We continue to raise the urgent need to resolve the conflict through negotiations in direct talks with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides, as well as through the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the United Nations Security Council. The UK Government, including Ministers and our Ambassadors in Baku and Yerevan, continue to engage with both parties to the conflict to encourage a sustainable, peaceful settlement that will underpin stability and security in the region.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps his Department is taking to help support security in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
I underlined the UK's support for the sovereignty and security of the region during a visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan in November. The UK has urged the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage meaningfully in joint and internationally-mediated negotiations to conclude a final peace settlement. We welcomed the two countries' historic joint statement of 7 December, in which important confidence-building measures were announced, aimed at reaching an historic agreement and securing lasting peace for the region.
Nov. 20 2023
Source Page: Minister Docherty underlines commitment to peace and security during visit to South CaucasusFound: underline the UK’s unwavering support for sovereignty and security during a visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
Asked by: Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour - Slough)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has had discussions with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on the level of vehicle exports to Azerbaijan.
Answered by Nusrat Ghani - Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
DBT ministers regularly meet with sector bodies and companies to discuss a variety of issues. This includes meetings with The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and automotive companies where trade issues are discussed.
Asked by: Alex Sobel (Labour (Co-op) - Leeds North West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2023 to Question 2390 on Gubad Ibadoghlu, if he will make it his policy to call for the unconditional release of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu.
Answered by Nusrat Ghani - Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
Since Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu's arrest in July 2023, the UK has consistently advocated for appropriate medical access and the right to a fair legal process. The UK has consistently called on the Azerbaijani Government to protect the freedoms and human rights of all of its citizens, and we will continue to work to ensure Dr Ibadoghlu's rights are upheld. I raised this issue directly with the Azerbaijan Ambassador on 30 April.
Nov. 09 2023
Source Page: Latest situation in Nagorno-Karabakh: UK statement to the OSCEFound: We welcome the cooperation Azerbaijan has shown the relevant international agencies to date, and encourage
Asked by: Stephen Doughty (Labour (Co-op) - Cardiff South and Penarth)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) security and (b) stability of the Caucasus region.
Answered by Nusrat Ghani - Minister of State (Minister for Europe)
The UK strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the three states that make up the South Caucasus region. The UK welcomes recent peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the agreed progress on the delimitation of their international border. We wish to see a lasting and sustainable peace settlement reached as soon as possible and stand ready to support this process. The UK remains a close supporter of Georgian democracy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations in line with the will of the Georgian people and stands with Georgia against Russian hybrid pressure.
Asked by: Margaret Hodge (Labour - Barking)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the (a) detainment and (b) treatment of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu in Azerbaijan.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
We have raised Dr Ibadoghlu's case, including his access to medication and fair legal process, on a number of occasions with senior representatives of the Azerbaijani government in both London and Baku. I [Minister Docherty] spoke with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov in person about this case on 22 November during my visit to Baku. The former Foreign Secretary also raised the issue in a call on 17 October. Our Ambassador and other officials from the British Embassy in Baku continue to press the case with senior counterparts and to monitor the legal process. On 14 November, the UK delivered a statement during Azerbaijan's Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council highlighting this case. We urge Azerbaijan to improve human rights protections for all.