PRESS RELEASE : Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh – UK statement to the OSCE [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 September 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that Azerbaijan’s use of force is unacceptable and states that the UK is encouraged by today’s announcement of a ceasefire.

Thank you, Chair.

This week began with more hopeful signals in relation to the long running tensions in this region. The UK Government was relieved to hear of the movement of humanitarian goods on 18 September via the Lachin and Aghdam roads into Nagorno-Karabakh, the local population of which has been in such need for so long. ICRC access to provide humanitarian support was – and remains – critical.

Azerbaijan’s decision yesterday to commence a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh put at risk efforts to find a lasting peaceful settlement. Like many others, the UK urged Azerbaijan to cease its unacceptable use of force and return to dialogue. Violence is never the answer.

The UK is encouraged by today’s announcement of a ceasefire and calls on all parties to respect it, for the sake of the civilian population. We also note the announcement of direct talks between representatives of Azerbaijan and the local Karabakhi Armenian community, on 21 September. These are essential to protect the security and needs of the local population.

It is only through diplomacy in line with the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act that we will see a sustainable settlement to this conflict.