The Bishop of Coventry received the following written answers on 18th September 2023:
The Lord Bishop of Coventry asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the prospect of a negotiated peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan that provides for the wellbeing and protection of the Karabakh Armenian population.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con, Foreign Office): The UK Government is clear that there is no military solution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. We continue to raise the urgent need to resolve the conflict through negotiations in direct talks with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides, as well as at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the United Nations Security Council. We urge both sides to redouble their efforts to make progress in internationally mediated negotiations, including by making provisions to protect the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Lord Bishop of Coventry asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh; and what representations they have made to the government of Azerbaijan that they should guarantee the security of (1) persons, (2) vehicles and (3) cargo, moving along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are increasingly alarmed by the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, exacerbated by the continued closure of the Lachin corridor. It is crucial that the ICJ order of February 2023 is respected to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions. The UK Government has publicly highlighted the importance of re-opening the Lachin corridor and addressing related humanitarian issues, including at the United Nations Security Council in New York on 16 August 2023 and at the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe in Vienna on 12 September 2023.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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