Lords to examine humanitarian and political impact of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the future of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations
Monday 8 January 2024
On Wednesday 10 January the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee will hear from witnesses in a one-off session that will examine the political and humanitarian implications of the September 2023 conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and the future of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. It will consider the prospects of Armenia and Azerbaijan concluding a peace agreement. The Committee will also look at the wider geopolitical ramifications of the conflict and Russia’s shifting role in the region.
The session will start at 10:35am and will be available to watch live or on demand at Parliament TV or attend in person in Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster.
Giving evidence will be:
10.35am
- Marina Nagai, Caucasus Director, International Alert; and
- Thomas de Waal, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Europe.
Questions will include:
- In September 2023, Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh in a rapid offensive. Could you outline the humanitarian impact of this, including the exodus of ethnic Armenians to Armenia?
- How has the Armenian government responded to this humanitarian crisis? Are Western countries providing sufficient humanitarian aid to support Armenia?
- What are the prospects for achieving a comprehensive peace agreement, and what are the main obstacles? Is there public support for a peace deal in both Armenia and Azerbaijan?
- Is there a risk of further conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, despite the apparent progress on peace negotiations?
- Are Western countries doing enough to support the peace process and deter further military conflict? What leverage do the US, EU and UK have to ensure that human rights are upheld in Nagorno-Karabakh, including the right of return of displaced people?
- What should be the priorities for the UK’s approach to Azerbaijan and Armenia? How can the UK best support peace-building and economic development?
