Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to move the motion I sent out on September 14. As I'm sure you all have, I've been very concerned about and closely following the escalating crisis at the Armenia–Azerbaijan border, including Azerbaijan's strikes and incursions along Armenia's internationally recognized borders, which have already resulted in at least several hundred deaths.
Canada is highly supportive of the cease-fire and diplomatic peacekeeping efforts thus far, but I feel it's our duty and responsibility to discuss this further in committee.
I would also like to note that this motion and the discussion around a possible study are extremely apt today. It is the 31st anniversary of the independence of Armenia from the Soviet Union, and only a few months after Canada announced the opening of its embassy in Yerevan. I believe that we as the foreign affairs committee must study the situation and the conflict now occurring between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Certainly it goes without saying that the implications direct and indirect involving Russia also complicate the situation. I would invite all members of this committee to vote in favour of the study.
I am happy to read it into the record if you would like, Mr. Chair.
That the committee undertake a study on the escalating hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia, including military strikes inside Armenia's internationally recognized borders, recognizing the threat this confrontation poses to local civilian populations as well as to regional stability and security; that the committee hold a minimum of two meetings on this study, including one meeting to hear from witnesses and one meeting to receive a briefing from officials concerning the situation.
Given the important ongoing study involving Ukraine, I am suggesting in the motion a short study but I am certainly open to colleagues' suggestions.
Thank you.