MEDIA RELEASE - STATEMENT ON THE ONGOING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

PAUL FLETCHER MP

Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts

Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy

Manager of Opposition Business in the House

MEDIA RELEASE

27 September 2023

STATEMENT ON THE ONGOING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

The ongoing humanitarian crisis and violence in Nagorno-Karabakh is of great concern to Armenian Australians in my electorate of Bradfield and to friends and supporters of the Republic of Armenia and of human freedom and democracy.

I condemn this unconscionable use of force and violence by Azerbaijan which is driving Armenians out of Nagorno-Karabakh, in many cases from homes their families have lived in for generations.

The reports of civilians continuing to endure violence, despite the ceasefire, as well as desperate shortages of food, power and medical supplies are both heartbreaking and unacceptable. I can only imagine the toll on Australians of Armenian heritage, and those concerned for family members and other loved ones in Nagorno-Karabakh, at this time.

The Coalition has raised the blockade repeatedly with the Government, and in public statements, since the blockade began almost 300 days ago, as well as in response to the violence against civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh last year.

Australia’s major parties are bipartisan in our support for Armenia and Azerbaijan reaching an agreement that guarantees the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and in recognising the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Coalition urges the Albanese Government to join calls for Azerbaijan to refrain from further hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh, deliver on assurances that the rights of residents of Armenian heritage will be protected and allow an independent international observer mission.

The Coalition will continue to raise our call for Azerbaijan to urgently re-open Lachin Corridor and provide for humanitarian access, and we will continue to call on the Australian Labor Government to do the same.

ENDS

Media contact: William Sparling | 0416 628 276 | [email protected]