Call to Return to Original Positions: EU Report on Developments in the South Caucasus

The ceasefire established after the 44-day war in 2020 is not being respected, with numerous violations leading to hundreds of casualties and the seizure of sovereign territory in eastern and southeastern Armenia by Azerbaijani forces. This information is highlighted in a European Parliament report regarding EU-Azerbaijan relations, as reported by Armenpress.

The document mentions the blockade of the Lachin Corridor for civilian traffic, the torture of prisoners of war during the September clashes, and the attacks and extrajudicial reprisals against civilians, including the elderly, in 2020 and early 2021.

The report states that the EU is ready to play an active role as a reliable trade partner and a fair mediator in establishing sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, basing its actions on promoting democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. The authors further note that the conflict initiated by Russia in Ukraine has influenced the South Caucasus and further complicated the security situation in the region.

The report also addresses the five principles proposed by Azerbaijan for the normalization of relations and Armenia's response to them. Additionally, it refers to the International Court of Justice's ruling on December 7, 2021, regarding the involvement of Azerbaijani authorities in the destruction of cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh.

It emphasizes that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has significantly hindered the development and stability of the South Caucasus region and affects European stability in a broader sense.

The European Parliament strongly condemns the large-scale military aggression against numerous targets in the sovereign territory of Armenia in September 2022, condemns military incursions that have taken place along the unmarked border since May 2021, calls on all forces to return to their original positions, and condemns any attempts that disrupt the peace process, urging all sides to refrain from the use of force.

The European Parliament also expresses concern about the fate of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, condemns the opening of the so-called 'Strategists' Park' in Baku, welcomes the agreement to deploy an EU civilian mission in Armenia, and encourages bilateral communications between the political leaderships of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

At the same time, it notes that before deepening political and energy partnerships with Azerbaijan, the country must improve the situation regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms, which is 'still assessed very negatively.' The report also addresses the corruption prevalent in Azerbaijan, violence against women, and restrictions on freedom of speech.