The debates on Nagorno-Karabakh were held in the House of Commons on Tuesday as Stephen Pound presented situation over Nagorno-Karabakh.

He presented the history of the conflict and the situation ahead of the 20th anniversary of the ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh.

The main issue, Pound believes, is what UK can do to help resolve the conflict. He said it is one of the great tragedies that some of the most beautiful parts of the world are the places that are most troubled.

“Anyone who has been to Nagorno-Karabakh—as I know many Members of the House have—will never forget those great sweeping, soaring mountains, those deep, eye-stretching valleys, and the churches going back nearly 2,000 years, with distinctive Armenian crosses everywhere one looks. We need to do something to bring back that peace,” the parliamentarian said.

He recalled the approaching anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, adding it is shameful to use comments such as “the so-called genocide”.

“If ever there was a time when this House could look to Armenia with support, friendship and solidarity, it is as we approach this anniversary,” Pound emphasized.

He called on the lawmakers not to think about the conflict as something in the past, as it still resonates. This happened when in 2004 Azerbaijani soldier, Ramil Safarov, decided to buy an axe and take the head off an Armenian soldier, Gurgen Margayian.

“The British Government cannot demand action, but what we can do is to show our concern. Let us finally end this awful conflict, and allow two nations to emerge into the sunshine to live in peace”.

During the debates, Jim Shannon raised the issue of the persecution of Christians in Azerbaijan.

“Churches had to register in Azerbaijan by 1 January 2010. Any house churches active after that date were raided by police and state authorities, with church leaders arrested and sent to jail. Should not our Government make representations to the Azerbaijan Government to stop the persecution of Christians and actions against the churches?” he wonders.

Source: news.am