“Canada’s reaction has been underwhelming at best, and, at worst, tacitly complicit. On Oct. 5, François-Philippe Champagne, who was then minister of foreign affairs, announced the suspension of all “relevant export permits to Turkey” after becoming aware of allegations of “Canadian technology being used in the military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh,” adding Canada is concerned by the conflict, which he acknowledged has resulted “in shelling of communities and civilian casualties.” Praise for the minister’s action quickly turned to outrage, however, when it became clear that these permits – for drone targeting sensors that Turkey has been accused of using in attacks – should never have been granted in the first place. Their issuance was contrary to the Export and Import Permits Act, as well as Canada’s obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty.” Sheila Paylan and Vrouyr Makalian are members of the Armenian Bar Association.
For more information please visit: https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/january-2021/canadas-responsibility-in-the-nagorno-karabakh-crisis/