European Parliament Criticizes Azerbaijan Over Empty Airplane Sent to Armenia

The European Parliament has delivered a strong condemnation of Azerbaijan, stating that the country cannot ignore its obligations or it will find itself in a dire situation.

Independent member Nikolay Baghdasaryan published details regarding the resolution that was adopted by a vote of 607 in favor and 27 against, which includes demands for Azerbaijan to return Armenian prisoners of war.

Baghdasaryan noted several key points from the resolution:

1. The European Parliament demands the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners, military and civilian, who were captured during or after the conflict, and calls for adherence to the provisions of the November 9, 2020, Tripartite Ceasefire Agreement, which includes the exchange of prisoners, captives, and the dead.
2. It condemns the violence committed during the recent war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, expresses sympathy for the victims and their families, and denounces ceasefire violations that have led to further suffering and loss of life.
3. It calls on the Azerbaijani government to provide a comprehensive list of all individuals under their custody related to the military conflict, including information about those who have died during captivity.
4. The resolution reminds of the failure to provide information on the whereabouts and fates of missing persons, equating this to enforced disappearances, and urges clarification regarding the missing and respectful treatment of the remains of the deceased.
5. It requests that Azerbaijani authorities comply with legal obligations, allowing access for lawyers, doctors, and human rights defenders to Armenian prisoners and ensure they can communicate with their families.
6. The European Parliament expresses deep concern over reports suggesting that Armenian prisoners and other captives are currently held in degrading conditions and subjected to inhumane treatment and torture.
7. It calls upon Azerbaijan to ensure the protection of still-captive individuals according to international human rights and humanitarian laws, including the prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment.
8. It strongly criticizes the incident on April 9, where Azerbaijani authorities sent an empty airplane intended for the return of Armenian prisoners, labeling it as inhumane and indicative of broader inhumane treatment directed at prisoners and their families.
9. Finally, it emphasizes the urgent need for both sides to refrain from acts or rhetoric that could incite hatred or violence, thereby jeopardizing the atmosphere necessary for constructive trust, reconciliation, cooperation, and sustainable peace.