Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to bring to the House's attention an issue of concern to many local Australian Armenian constituents in Bennelong—that is, the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the republic of Artsakh. Australian Armenians are a tight-knit community. I've had the pleasure of working closely with them over the past 10 years in my former capacities of councillor and mayor. They're a passionate community too. We love Australia and they love their homeland, and right now they are hurting.

For nearly two months, Azerbaijani operatives have blocked all movements of people, food, fuel and humanitarian supplies from Armenia to Artsakh. The Berdzor corridor, commonly referred to as the 'road of life' is the only land link between Artsakh and the outside world for the self-determined Armenian population. Already, this blockade has started to impact life. I'm informed that over 200 children have been born under siege, that all educational institutions have been shut and that grocery stores have been left empty as authorities in Artsakh have issued food-rationing coupons. This blockade has all the hallmarks of yet another tragic moment in the history of the Armenian people.

I note that the Australian government is deeply concerned by the longstanding conflict in the region and that they support calls for a peaceful resolution. The government has conveyed and will continue to convey its views to Azerbaijan through diplomatic channels and ambassadors. I thank the local Armenian community for their advocacy in continuing to provide me with updates.