Ógra extends solidarity to people of Nagorno-Karabakh, calls for dialogue to end conflict

Azerbaijani armed forces have launched an air-to-surface missile strike on Nagorno-Karabakh, attacking civilians and peaceful settlements, including the capital Stepanakert.  This is a continuation of military aggression against the northern border of Armenia which started in July 2020, when Azerbaijani authorities threatened to fire a rocket at a nuclear power plant.  This latest attack once again shows a blatant disregard of international law.

Furthermore, comments made by Turkey have only made the situation worse, with Erdoğan along with the Turkish Defense Minister using extremely threatening language towards Armenia.

Ógra Shinn Féin sends our solidarity to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. We encourage both sides to end hostilities and to begin dialogue in order to avoid any further loss of life. Any dialogue must be free from foreign control, be it Turkish or otherwise. At the same time greater attention needs to be paid internationally to the volatile political situation in the Caucasus to ensure that it doesn’t degrade any further.

le Ciarán Ó Meachair, Oifigeach Idirnáisiúnta