Canada supports the territorial integrity of Armenia. Visiting Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated this at Wednesday’s joint press conference with Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan, in Yerevan.
The Canadian diplomat stressed the importance of maintaining the principle of non-use of force, and called on the Azerbaijani authorities to respect the rights of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh to return to their homes.
Joly recalled that the Azerbaijani military aggression of September 19 was preceded by its illegal blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, and said that Canada will increase aid to the Armenian refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.
Answering the question about the chances of imposing sanctions on Azerbaijan, the Canadian FM noted that all options are on the table, they expect the territorial integrity of Armenia to be respected, and they are attentive to this matter.
Also, Melanie Joly informed about her visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, and in memory of the victims of this tragedy.
"We also continue to work to find a lasting negotiated solution to this conflict. Today, more than ever, it is important that Canada and the entire world show their support to the Armenian people for the generations of those who suffered the consequences of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, as well as for the communities that left Nagorno-Karabakh, which caused the humanitarian crisis we see today," she said, recalling that she participated in the commemoration ceremony of those who died in 1915 in Tsitsernakaberd in the morning.
Mélanie Joly also said that Canada is increasing humanitarian support for people who have left Nagorno-Karabakh, bringing the amount to $3.9 million. This includes an additional $1 million in funding to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for life-saving assistance. An additional $2.5 million in funding to ICRC to help alleviate suffering and provide emergency care to those who need it.
"Tomorrow I will travel to Jermuk to personally see the consequences of the humanitarian crisis, I will meet the displaced families and discuss the situation with the local leaders," she said, noting that we should work together to find ways and improve the situation of those people who have been living in that [NK] for centuries and considering the region their homeland.
"I sincerely hope that the next time we meet, we will meet to celebrate the peace, security and prosperity we all dream of and deserve," she said.
