Canada calls for cessation of hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh region

Ottawa – Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada is gravely concerned with the military escalation and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the military intervention announced by Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry.

“Canada calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh to avoid any further humanitarian impact.

“We call on the Azerbaijan government to refrain from any actions and activities that pose a risk to the safety and welfare of the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, and to show good faith in facilitating the restoration of humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for the delivery of food, medicine and other essentials, including via the Lachin corridor.

“Canada supports a negotiated political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as well as the continuation of dialogue between the parties towards promoting confidence-building measures, and promotes the principles of the non-use of force, territorial integrity and self-determination in resolving the conflict.

“Canada will continue to work with its partners to mitigate the impacts of this unjustifiable military action on civilians, who have already been affected by months of illegal blockade, and to find a sustainable, negotiated settlement in this conflict.”