Azerbaijan is the Aggressor and Must Withdraw Its Troops from Armenian Territory, MEPs State

During a meeting in Strasbourg with members of the Armenian National Assembly, European Parliament members unequivocally stated that Azerbaijan is the aggressor and must immediately withdraw its troops from Armenia's sovereign territory. The details of the discussions held in Strasbourg were shared with Armenpress by Hayk Konjoryan, a member of the National Assembly from the 'Civil Contract' faction.

Hayk Konjoryan, along with MPs Arman Yeghoyan and Arusyak Julhakyan, held approximately two dozen meetings in Strasbourg. During these political consultations, they presented the situation surrounding Armenia, highlighting that Azerbaijan has effectively attacked Armenia's sovereign territory, occupied certain areas, and is attempting to implement an aggressive policy towards Armenia in gross violation of international law.

“Unambiguous statements were made by them that Azerbaijan is the aggressor and that Azerbaijan must immediately withdraw its troops from Armenia's sovereign territory. Many of them also condemned Azerbaijan's aggressive behavior with specific statements, and I am confident that they will continue to condemn this conduct,” Konjoryan stated.

He emphasized the importance of these visits and meetings, noting that they sought to present the Armenian perspective, Armenian interests, and their positions that they remain committed to the agenda of peace, yet will not allow incursions on their sovereign territory.

Konjoryan pointed out that the European Parliament members have a clear understanding that Azerbaijan is the aggressor. Many are actively condemning and participating in various debates, resolutions, or processes for the adoption of documents regarding this issue. The Armenian MPs also met with Andrey Kovachev, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Armenia, who also provided unequivocal assessments regarding Azerbaijan's aggression. Kovachev visited Armenia a day after meeting with the MPs and reiterated that the attack was perpetrated by Azerbaijan.

In the coming days, Italian MEP Massimo Castaldo will visit Armenia, following his meeting with the MPs in Strasbourg. Castaldo aims to gain firsthand insight into the situation.

“Primarily, the result of our meetings and similar engagements should be the generation of political pressure on Azerbaijan, so that it refrains from influential actions against Armenia due to this international pressure and isolation. In this sense, these meetings will have their specific logic and a logical continuation. These meetings will continue. During the European Parliament's plenary session, it happened that after our meetings, the members returned to the chamber and during some debates, we pleasantly heard them talking again about the situation surrounding Armenia, condemning Azerbaijani aggression and its actions regarding humanitarian issues,” said Konjoryan.

MPs have noted that since the release of a video by the Azerbaijani armed forces showing the execution of Armenian prisoners of war, European partners' positions regarding Azerbaijani actions have become notably more stringent. European Parliament members are shocked by this inhumane brutality. Konjoryan is confident that the MPs they met will relay the sentiments expressed by the Armenian side to their national governments.

“Constant efforts are being made through embassies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and parliamentary diplomacy. Raising all these issues will undoubtedly reflect in discussions and votes on certain documents in various places, I am confident of that,” said Konjoryan.

In the near future, reports regarding both Armenia and Azerbaijan will be discussed in the European Parliament. Konjoryan believes that the themes raised during the meetings will play an important role.