European Parliament Strongly Condemns Azerbaijan's Blockade of Lachin Corridor and Demands Immediate Restoration of Free Movement

During the plenary session of the European Parliament (EP) from January 16 to 19, a resolution titled "Implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy: Annual Report 2022" (CFSP) was adopted on January 18, with the rapporteur being David McAllister, the chair of the EP's Foreign Affairs Committee.

According to Armenpress, the report strongly condemns Azerbaijan's aggression against Armenia's sovereign territory in September 2022, which constitutes a violation of the ceasefire and has serious implications for the peace process. It reaffirms that Armenia's territorial integrity must be fully respected and calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately withdraw their troops from all Armenian territories.

The report expresses the belief that sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be achieved through military means. It requires a comprehensive political settlement in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, the 1975 Helsinki Final Act of the OSCE, and the fundamental principles of territorial integrity, self-determination, and the non-use of force established by the OSCE MG in 2009.

Concerns are raised regarding war crimes and inhumane treatment of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians by the Azerbaijani armed forces, with a call for the Azerbaijani authorities to release the prisoners under their control.

Support is expressed for European Council President Charles Michel's initiative to hold trilateral meetings with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is emphasized that the comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan should address the root causes of the conflict, including the rights and security of the Armenian population living in Nagorno-Karabakh, the return of displaced persons and refugees, and the protection and preservation of cultural, religious, and historical heritage as well as territorial integrity.

The deployment of an EU civilian mission at the border with Azerbaijan is welcomed, and there is a call for the EU Council to increase the number of deployed experts, enhance the mission's capabilities, and strengthen its presence in the region.

It is stated that any deepening of EU relations with Azerbaijan should be conditional on the country making significant progress in respecting human rights, the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental freedoms.

In the section of the CFSP report regarding Turkey, it is mentioned that the country continues destabilizing actions in the South Caucasus, among other regions.

During the EP plenary session on January 18, an amendment regarding the blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan was also adopted, stating that the European Parliament strongly condemns Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, in violation of the three-party agreement of November 9, 2020, aimed at creating a humanitarian crisis for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Parliament demands that the Azerbaijani authorities immediately restore freedom of movement through the Lachin corridor.