Uk's Stance On Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: A Complex Issue

The UK's position on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has been a delicate one. While the UK recognises Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it has also made clear that the use of force is unacceptable in resolving tensions. The UK has also been involved in humanitarian efforts to assist refugees from the region, allocating £1 million to the Red Cross to help vulnerable people affected by the conflict.

In terms of concrete actions, the UK imposed an arms embargo on both countries in February 1992, which is still in effect. This embargo covers the export, supply, or delivery of military goods and items on the UK military list, which can be used in the Nagorno-Karabakh region or on the land border between the two countries.

The UK has also been vocal in calling for the restoration of access to the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, which has been blocked by Azerbaijan, resulting in dire humanitarian consequences for the people in the region.

The UK's position on the conflict

The UK has recognised the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. However, it has also made it clear that the use of force is not an acceptable way to resolve tensions between communities. The UK has emphasised that restricting access to the Lachin corridor and other supply routes is unacceptable and has called for access to be restored. The UK continues to work with international partners of both countries to assist in the humanitarian response to the situation.

In February 1992, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) requested that all participating states should introduce an embargo on 'all deliveries of weapons and munitions to forces engaged in combat in the Nagorno-Karabakh area'. This embargo is still in effect and is implemented through the Export Control Order 2008. The UK has refined its interpretation of the arms embargo to cover the export, supply, or delivery of all goods and items on the UK military list, where this equipment could be used in the Nagorno-Karabakh region or on the land border between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The UK has also stated its support for Azerbaijan in providing territories for the return of its displaced population and in ensuring the integration of ethnic Armenians who wish to return. The UK has allocated funding to the Red Cross to help the most vulnerable people affected by the conflict.

The UK's arms embargo on both countries

The UK has an arms embargo in place on both Armenia and Azerbaijan, which was first implemented in 1992 by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The embargo was established in response to the conflict between the two countries over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory but has an ethnic Armenian majority.

In 2014, the UK updated its interpretation of the arms embargo, stating that it covers the export, supply, or delivery of all goods on the UK military list that could be used in the Nagorno-Karabakh region or on the land border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This includes items such as aerial target equipment, assault rifles, machine guns, pistols, and small arms ammunition. The embargo is implemented through the Export Control Order 2008, and all export and trade licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Despite the embargo, there have been reports of the UK approving arms exports to both countries in recent years. Between 2010 and 2020, the UK Department for International Trade approved the sale of £85.9 million of security exports to Azerbaijan and £4.2 million to Armenia. However, the UK government has stated that it rigorously assesses all export licences and will not issue any that are inconsistent with strict licensing criteria.

The UK's arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan remains in place as of January 2023, with the latest update to the guidance clarifying that supplies of military list equipment to humanitarian, peacekeeping, research, or media organisations are not subject to the embargo unless there is a clear risk of diversion to the armed forces or security forces of either state.

The UK's support for Azerbaijan's integration of ethnic Armenians

The UK has expressed support for Azerbaijan's integration of ethnic Armenians who wish to return to the region. In a statement, Leo Docherty, the United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Europe, said that the UK supports Azerbaijan in providing territories for the return of its displaced population, as well as in ensuring the integration of ethnic Armenians who wish to return. This statement was made in the context of discussions on international assistance for Armenian refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, following the region's military takeover by Azerbaijan in September 2023.

The UK's position on this matter has been criticised by some. In an online meeting with British business leaders, UK officials were recorded encouraging companies to take advantage of the "great opportunity" to support Azerbaijan's rebuilding agenda. This meeting took place just weeks after the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. Jonathan Noronha-Gant, a senior campaigner at Global Witness, criticised the UK's position, stating that "Behind closed doors, the UK government is calling Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh a 'great opportunity'."

The UK has also been criticised for its apparent call to UK firms to help rebuild disputed areas of Azerbaijan. This call came shortly after the displacement of ethnic Armenians from the region and was seen by some as a disregard for the human rights of those affected by the conflict. However, the UK government spokesperson defended these comments, stating that they had been misrepresented and that the UK is not involved in commercial activity or reconstruction efforts in the disputed region.

Overall, the UK's position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is complex and has evolved over time. While the UK recognises Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it has also condemned the use of force and called for a lasting peaceful settlement in the region. The UK has also provided humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, allocating £1 million to the Red Cross to help vulnerable people.

The UK's humanitarian response to the conflict

The UK's support also aimed to improve the quality of overcrowded shelters by installing or upgrading water tanks and toilets and ensuring that shelters were adequately equipped for the approaching bitter winter. In addition, the UK provided blankets, food parcels, and basic hygiene items to vulnerable communities near the fighting.

The UK's Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, urged both sides to engage with the OSCE Minsk group and seek a peaceful, negotiated political solution. The UK's contribution was recognised by the ICRC's Regional Director for EURASIA, who acknowledged the UK's role in enabling the ICRC to deliver neutral, impartial, and independent action to those affected by the conflict.

The UK's humanitarian response to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict demonstrates its commitment to providing relief and supporting a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The UK's stance on the Lachin corridor blockade

The UK's stance has been to call for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with a particular focus on the importance of peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. However, some have criticised the UK's response as lacking robustness. Conservative MP Tim Loughton condemned the British government's "distinct lack of robust response" to the blockade. He, along with other British MPs, appealed to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to condemn Azerbaijan's actions more strongly.

The UK's position has been influenced by its significant business interests in Azerbaijan, particularly in the oil and mineral-rich industry. The UK has deep ties with Azerbaijani businesses, and its response to the conflict has been characterised by expressions of concern and mild calls for restraint, rather than strong condemnation. This pattern of response has been observed in the UK's reaction to Azerbaijan's previous actions, including the 2020 war with Armenia and subsequent attacks on Armenian territory.

Frequently asked questions