Europe, Act Decisively If You Can: Melkumyan at PACE

The Covid-19 pandemic has posed a serious challenge to all countries worldwide. This ongoing disaster, now spanning nearly two years, has shaken the foundations of the global economy, dealt serious blows not only to health systems and businesses but also to vulnerable groups within society, deepening inequalities. This was stated by Mikayel Melkumyan, a member of the Armenian delegation, during his speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

He specified, "Numerous issues have emerged during the pandemic that states had not faced before. And now, as the majority of countries have moved past the phase of strict restrictions, we must think not only about recovering our economies but also about restructuring them so that we can respond more effectively to future challenges. To overcome the socio-economic crisis created by the pandemic, a clear strategy must be developed, avoiding the mistakes of the past. Medium and long-term programs should promote the realization of people's social rights, eliminate inequalities, protect the interests of vulnerable groups, and prevent the exacerbation of situations during possible future crises.

This proposed project is particularly important in that it calls for us to unite our efforts and capabilities to collectively overcome this crisis that has disrupted the normal course of life. However, it is painful to acknowledge the fact that some member countries are doing the opposite, exploiting the situation to pursue their militaristic ambitions. What support can we expect from countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey, which unleashed a 44-day war over Artsakh during the pandemic, employing mercenaries and using prohibited weapons against peaceful Armenian civilians? What can we expect from Azerbaijan, which continues to encroach upon the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia?

And I ask, how is it possible that after all this, these states remain unpunished? Now, over seven months have passed since November 10, and Azerbaijan is holding more than 200 Armenian prisoners of war. What century are we in? In today's world, committing such a crime, I believe, transcends all accepted and unaccepted norms. Perhaps they want us to take Azerbaijani soldiers that have invaded our sovereign territory as captives and then exchange them later? If that's what you want, just say it!

Now, Europe, they have invaded the sovereign territory of a member state of the Council of Europe. What do you have to say about this? Or what will you do? Do not delay your response. Act decisively if you can! Europe, your decisions need to be precise, prompt, and targeted. Your procedures no longer serve the urgent situations, one of which is what is happening at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Change that quickly!"