Thank you for contacting me about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
UK diplomats continue to work with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Governments, alongside our international partners, to encourage them to engage with the appropriate international processes, namely OSCE and EU-led negotiations, to secure a sustainable and peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and all other related issues. In line with this, the UK is spending £1 million on conflict-related programming in Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2022-23 through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.
Against a background of intermittent hostilities and further loss of life, Leo Docherty - Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - spoke to the Armenian Foreign Minister and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on 15 and 17 September respectively to stress the importance of regional stability and negotiations without pre-conditions. I understand that our Ambassadors in Yerevan and Baku have taken similar steps, in close coordination with partners.
HM Government (HMG) has made clear that the closure of the Lachin corridor risks severe humanitarian consequences. Leo Docherty highlighted the importance of re-opening the corridor and called for the early resolution of this issue in Vienna at the OSCE on 15 December and in New York at the UNSC on 20 December.
I join Ministers in encouraging all sides to work together in the interests of their citizens to secure stability and security for the region. HM Government has also been clear in its commitment to encourage relevant parties to engage in negotiations to this end and is monitoring developments closely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.