HL Deb 02 March 1994 vol 552 cc75-6WA
Baroness Cox

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of reports that Azerbaijan is currently recruiting Afghan mercenaries in Pakistan, through the Iranian Consulate, to fight against the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh; and if so, what action they intend to take to prevail upon Azerbaijan, as a member of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe to desist from this internationalisation of the current conflict.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We are deeply concerned at the possible internationalisation of this conflict and by reports that mercenaries are being recruited by, and fighting on, all sides. We have made clear to all parties to this conflict that we deplore any action which might prolong the dispute and further increase regional instability.

Baroness Cox

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware that President Aliyev of Azerbaijan has rejected recent initiatives for a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh and has escalated military offences against the civilians of Nagorno Karabakh; and whether they can give assurances that no British money given to Azerbaijan in connection with BP or other commercial contracts will be used directly, or indirectly, to support Azerbaijan's military operations against the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Several versions of a disengagement plan for Nagorno-Karabakh have been put forward. Earlier versions were rejected by the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians; disappointingly the latest has been rejected by the Azerbaijanis. We continue to urge all parties to agree an immediate ceasefire and to seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict through constructive negotations under Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) auspices.

We have provided no direct financial support to Armenia or Azerbaijan for specific commercial contracts. We are satisfied that no funds made available to either Armenia or Azerbaijan, as grants or humanitarian assistance have been or will be used either directly or indirectly, to support military operations by any of the parties to this conflict.