Possible Sanctions Against Azerbaijan Are On the Table: Canadian Foreign Minister

The issue of potential sanctions against Azerbaijan is now on the table. Canada is closely monitoring the developments in the South Caucasus and expects respect for Armenia's territorial integrity. This was stated by Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly during a press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

“The issue of possible sanctions against Azerbaijan is now on the table. Canada appreciates Armenia's efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the South Caucasus. We all agree that more needs to be done. Canada calls on Azerbaijan to fully respect Armenia's territorial integrity and reiterates the importance of adhering to the principle of non-use of force and threats of force. Canada also calls on the Azerbaijani government to respect the right of Armenians recently displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to return and to ensure unobstructed access to humanitarian assistance in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as to ensure the safe return of Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh,” said the Canadian Foreign Minister.

“We are continuously working with our partners to mitigate the effects of Azerbaijan's unfounded military operations against civilians, especially given that the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh have been under illegal blockade for months,” she added.

The minister further stated that efforts are ongoing to find a lasting solution to the conflict through negotiations.

“Canada is increasing its humanitarian support for individuals displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, bringing the total amount to $3.9 million. This includes an additional $1 million in funding to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees aimed at saving lives. Another $2.5 million in funding will go to the Red Cross, which will help alleviate suffering and provide urgent care for those who currently need it and have been displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, which they have considered their homeland for centuries,” Mélanie Joly noted.

The Canadian Foreign Minister announced that she will be traveling to Jermuk tomorrow to assess the situation on the ground due to the humanitarian crisis and will meet with displaced families to discuss their issues with local community leaders.