Nagorno-Karabakh: Renew Europe calls for strong response to Azerbaijan's aggression

The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament condemns in the strongest terms the pre-planned and unjustified military attack by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. We call for targeted sanctions against individuals in the Azerbaijani government responsible for multiple ceasefire violations and the violations of human rights in the territory.

In a resolution on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia, requested by our political group and today approved by the plenary, we call on the EU and its Member States to increase both their presence on the ground and the humanitarian aid to people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia or living in Nagorno-Karabakh. We also remind Azerbaijan that it bears full responsibility for the safety and well-being of all people in Nagorno-Karabakh and that it will be held accountable.

We condemn the Azerbaijani military incursions into the internationally recognised territory of Armenia and demand the withdrawal of Azerbaijan’s troops. All imports of oil and gas from Azerbaijan in the EU should be suspended in case of further military aggression against Armenian territorial integrity.

Renew Europe MEP, Nathalie Loiseau (Horizons, France), Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, who leaded the negotiations on this resolution, said:

“Baku is primarily responsible for the ethnic cleansing that has just taken place and must be held accountable. But another disaster looms: Azerbaijan and Turkey have not given up on their plans to erode Armenia's sovereignty, as Vladimir Putin has not given up on bringing down the democratic government of Nikol Pashynian. Until now, Europe has remained passive, for the worst of reasons and the Ukraine scenario should not be repeated. Let's not repeat our mistakes. Let's save our honour. Let's save Armenia.”

The only way forward is a comprehensive peace agreement between the two countries, securing mutual recognition of territorial integrity, release of prisoners and guarantees for the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population.