The Key Tool is Real International Sanctions Against Azerbaijan - Zohrebyan

NAIRA ZOHREBYAN, a member of the Armenian National Assembly, assures the international community that mere calls for the return of prisoners will not yield results, urging the imposition of concrete sanctions against Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and his family. According to Armenpress, Zohrebyan made this statement during a conversation with reporters in the National Assembly.

Zohrebyan recalled her private conversation with the head of the Azerbaijani delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). She stated, “As a primary step, they noted that Armenia should recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including the occupied territories of Artsakh.” She expressed her opinion that no adequate government should take such a step.

Addressing the question of what should be done to facilitate the return of prisoners, Zohrebyan mentioned that there is still a critical tool available. “The key tool is real international sanctions from the global community. Meeting with various officials from the European Union at the Council of Europe meetings and during plenary sessions, I have suggested ceasing toothless declarations, appeals, and calls,” she stated, noting that although these calls might suffice for a civilized country, Azerbaijan is a country committing war crimes.

According to her, the only factor or lever that may facilitate the acceleration of this process could be the use of very specific sanctions against Azerbaijan. The deputy pointed out that European institutions periodically impose such measures against Russia and Belarus. “For instance, why not terminate the banking accounts of Aliyev, his family, and the political elite of Azerbaijan in the UK and European banks? Why not suspend the Azerbaijani delegation’s powers or deprive it of voting rights at the Council of Europe?” she said.

Azerbaijan, despite the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, refuses to fulfill its obligations and fully return Armenian prisoners of war.