Thank you Mr Chair.
The United Kingdom welcomes last week’s talks in Geneva. We urge both parties to implement the agreed steps from the meeting, including cooperating fully with the ICRC and abiding by the agreement not to target civilian populations. We remain deeply disappointed that the previously agreed humanitarian ceasefires are not holding.
The United Kingdom strongly condemns continued targeting of civilian areas. We are deeply concerned that the number of civilian casualties continues to grow. We urge both parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.
It is unacceptable that civilians remain in both direct and indirect danger whilst this conflict continues. Our thoughts remain with those affected and those who have lost loved ones.
The United Kingdom welcomes the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of the deceased and provide vital support to those who have been displaced. On 30 October the United Kingdom announced a further £1million in funding to the ICRC. The humanitarian situation remains dire and as long as this conflict continues it is the civilians who will bear the unacceptable consequences.
We urge both parties to recognise that there is no military solution to this conflict, and to return to the negotiating table, without preconditions, for a settlement under the auspices of the Minsk Co-Chairs.
Lastly, I would like to reiterate the UKs full support for the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in their role in mediating negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Thank you.
Published 9 November 2020
