Evidence of meeting #87 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was armenian.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Deputy Director, Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, As an Individual
Again, I know that a lot of people have talked about the concern about a western Azerbaijan and Zangezur corridor, and I defer to my colleagues and the other witnesses. I personally don't see Azerbaijan wanting to do a military incursion. They've spent 30 years with people occupying their territory and not respecting international law. I don't see why they would then want to flip it and be the....
Liberal
Bloc
Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Montarville, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Since the 2020 war, Azerbaijan has carried out a number of incursions into Armenia's sovereign territory. I realize we are talking about something rather esoteric, since the border between the two countries isn't well demarcated. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan has used military offensives to encroach on what would be Armenian territory. Just today, a clash at the border resulted in the death of an Armenian soldier.
Do incidents like that make the situation more complicated and further diminish the possibility of a negotiated peace between the two countries?
Deputy Director, Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, As an Individual
Absolutely. Again, as was pointed out by Professor Altstadt and I would concur, Azerbaijan has felt humiliated for the past 30 years that the international community did not come to its defence and has now seen a double standard, but you're absolutely right. It doesn't help its situation if it's now going to encroach on Armenian territory, let alone kill soldiers or civilians, so obviously it complicates peace.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Thank you, Mr. Bergeron.
The last question goes to MP McPherson.
You have a minute and a half.
NDP
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I haven't had an opportunity yet to ask Mr. Shiriyev a question.
I was going to just put one to him about the area of Nagorno-Karabakh and its adjacent regions being heavily mined. We know that mines have been put down for a very long time. We also know that there has been some movement with Azerbaijan and Armenia sharing the location of some of those mines.
What else is happening with regard to that? Is there a role that Canada can play? We have historically played a leading role on land mine removal.
Analyst, South Caucasus, International Crisis Group
Land mines are a serious and important issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia. What can Canada do? Azerbaijan has a reluctance to join the Ottawa convention, claiming and reasoning that this is not going to bring substantial international attention and financial incentives for demining initiatives.
My recommendation, which may also be defined as a Crisis Group recommendation, is that, first, there should be more recommendations to both sides to join the Ottawa convention. With Canada being at the forefront and having a lead position on the demining issue, it can also offer substantial support. Defining this zone will also bring international attention for demining.
How many mines? Azerbaijan asserts that there are 1.5 million land mines. Some of the mines have actually been there since the nineties, but there are also newer mines that have been put there. I think that substantial international attention to this humanitarian issue is important.
At the same time, there is a common issue at the Azerbaijan-Armenian border, which is heavily mined. This actually makes it less possible for the people to be involved in agricultural work, which is an important source of income. That's why this could be an effective confidence-building measure between Azerbaijan and Armenia, if they decide to bring up this issue and work together.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Thank you very much, MP McPherson.
I'm afraid we're going to have to conclude this hour of questioning, but I know I speak on behalf of all our members when I thank Dr. Wistrand, Professor Altstadt and Mr. Shiriyev. We're very grateful for your perspectives and expertise. Once our report is done, we'll certainly be sure to send you a copy.
Thank you very much for your time.
With that, the meeting stands adjourned.
