The European Parliament has passed a forceful resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s military actions in Artsakh and urging the European Union to impose sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for violating the ceasefire in Artsakh, which resulted in multiple human rights abuses. The resolution received overwhelming support, with 491 votes in favor, nine against, and 36 abstentions.
The European Parliament strongly denounces Azerbaijan’s aggressive seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh, calling for sanctions against those accountable and recommending a reevaluation of the EU’s relations with Baku. The resolution specifically condemns Azerbaijan’s premeditated and unjustified military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, deeming it a blatant violation of international law and human rights, as well as a clear infringement of prior ceasefire attempts.
The resolution expresses deep concern over the mass exodus of over 100,000 Armenians from Artsakh as a result of the recent offensive, describing the situation as ethnic cleansing. It also condemns threats and violence directed at the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijani forces. The European Parliament calls for the EU and its member states to provide immediate assistance to Armenia in dealing with the influx of refugees and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
The European Parliament urges the EU to impose targeted sanctions on Azerbaijani government officials responsible for ceasefire violations and human rights violations in Nagorno-Karabakh. It demands investigations into potential war crimes committed by Azerbaijani troops. The resolution expresses alarm over provocative statements by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other officials, cautioning against any further military aggression and calling on Turkey to exert influence on its ally.
Furthermore, the European lawmakers recommend a comprehensive reassessment of the EU’s relationship with Baku. They assert that developing a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, which has a track record of violating international law and commitments, conflicts with EU foreign policy objectives. They propose suspending negotiations on a renewed partnership with Azerbaijan and potentially suspending the EU visa facilitation agreement if the situation does not improve.
The resolution also calls for a reduction in the EU’s dependence on Azerbaijani gas imports and, in the event of military aggression or significant hybrid attacks against Armenia, advocates for a complete halt of EU imports of Azerbaijani oil and gas.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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