EC Report: Guaranteeing the Rights and Security of Artsakh's Population is Essential for Sustainable Resolution

The European Parliament has published a report on EU-Azerbaijan relations, addressing the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and the issue of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). It noted that the ceasefire agreed upon after the 44-day war in 2020 has not been upheld, and has been violated multiple times, resulting in hundreds of casualties and the seizure of Armenian sovereign territory by Azerbaijani forces in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country.

The report states that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has significantly hindered the development and stability of the South Caucasus region and has a broader impact on European stability.

The document reaffirms that for the Armenia-Azerbaijan comprehensive peace agreement to be effective, it must include provisions that guarantee the integrity of Armenia’s sovereign territory, the rights and security of the Armenian population living in Nagorno-Karabakh and other affected areas, as well as the safe and rapid return of all refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes.

The report mentions the blockade of civilian traffic through the Lachin corridor. The EU expresses serious concern about the blockade of the Lachin corridor, urging Azerbaijani authorities to ensure freedom and security of movement along this corridor, as stipulated in the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020. It calls on both Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve all concerns related to the functioning of the Lachin corridor through dialogue and consultations with all involved parties.

The report urges granting access to international humanitarian organizations, particularly the United Nations, to Nagorno-Karabakh, reminding that currently, only the International Committee of the Red Cross is allowed to enter the region, which is insufficient to accurately assess the conditions and needs of the local population.

The European Parliament condemns the torture of prisoners during the September clashes, as well as the violations against civilians, including the elderly, in 2020 and early 2021, and extrajudicial killings.

The European institution also condemns Turkey’s expansionist and destabilizing role in the South Caucasus, including sending Syrian mercenaries to fight against Armenia during the second war over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020, and believes that to play a constructive role in the region, Turkey must reconsider its unconditional support for Azerbaijan and take tangible steps toward normalizing relations with Armenia.

As such, it firmly supports the initiative of EC President Charles Michel to invite and facilitate bilateral meetings between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and encourages the work of the EU Special Representative for the crisis in the South Caucasus and Georgia.

“The EU is ready to play an active role as a reliable trade partner and 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 report's authors note, adding that Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine has affected the South Caucasus and further complicated the security situation in the region.

The European Parliament strongly condemns the extensive military aggression against multiple targets in Armenia’s sovereign territory in September 2022 and the military incursions carried out across the unmarked borders since May 2021, calling on all forces to return to their initial positions. It condemns any attempts to disrupt the peace process and calls on all parties to refrain from the use of force, and from any hostile rhetoric or actions that could incite hatred or outright violence, or actions that jeopardize the creation of an atmosphere of trust, reconciliation, cooperation, and sustainability.

The report calls on the governments of both countries to fully engage in developing a comprehensive and mutually acceptable peace agreement that should address the rights and security of the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and the protection of cultural, religious, and historical heritage. It welcomes the meetings of the foreign ministers of both states held on September 30, 2022, in Geneva and November 8, 2022, in Washington, emphasizing that a viable legal solution regarding the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh's population must be found to ensure the lasting resolution of the conflict.

The report welcomes the establishment of boundary delimitation commissions by Azerbaijan and Armenia and takes note of the progress made in the border delimitation process. It calls for EU international support for the delimitation process to ensure trust, fairness, and stability.

The report also welcomes the agreement to deploy an EU civilian mission in Armenia along the international border with Azerbaijan within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy to promote stability and confidence in Armenia's border areas. It appreciates Armenia's readiness to facilitate the mission in its territory and calls on Azerbaijan to allow the presence of EU observers on its side of the border as well.

The European Parliament also expresses concern about the fate of Armenian detainees, both military personnel and civilians, who were captured during and after the conflict and are still held in Azerbaijani prisons. It calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining detainees, including those captured during the recent military confrontations, and for their treatment to be in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The report expresses shock at footage showing the torture, mutilation, and killing of Armenian servicemen and unarmed Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijani armed forces, and condemns their public dissemination. It calls for a comprehensive and impartial investigation of the videos to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable for their actions.

It reminds that the European Neighborhood Policy emphasizes the necessity of strengthening relations between neighbors and promoting regional cooperation.