European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Withdrawal of Azerbaijani Troops and Return of Prisoners

The European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding the "Situation in Azerbaijan, Human Rights Violations, and Relations with Armenia" with 453 votes in favor, 31 against, and 89 abstentions. According to the report from the "Armenpress" correspondent in Brussels, the resolution sharply condemns the oppression of opposition leaders, journalists, and activists by Azerbaijani authorities both domestically and abroad.

Highlighting that these pressures have intensified especially ahead of COP 29, the Parliament calls for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained and imprisoned political prisoners and an end to all forms of persecution and repression. Members of the European Parliament express serious concern about the atmosphere of fear created within the country, aimed at silencing civil society.

The resolution states, "Azerbaijan's ongoing human rights violations are incompatible with the holding of COP 29. EU leaders, particularly European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are called upon to use COP 29 as an opportunity to remind Azerbaijan of its international obligations and to address the human rights situation in that country meaningfully."

The European Parliament also urges the EU and its member states to do everything possible to ensure that UN Climate Change Conferences are not hosted in countries with poor human rights records. Through the adopted resolution, the members of the European Parliament call on the EU to end its dependence on Azerbaijani gas, suspend the Memorandum of Understanding on strategic partnership in the energy sector from 2022, and assert that the release of all political prisoners, implementation of legal reforms, and overall improvement of the human rights situation in the country should be prerequisites for future partnership agreements between the EU and Azerbaijan.

Members pay particular attention to the necessity for Azerbaijan to demonstrate its willingness to engage faithfully in peace agreement negotiations with Armenia and to respect the rights of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. The European Parliament reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, resolutely advocating for the normalization of relations between the two countries based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, according to the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

The Parliament reiterates its demand for the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from all sovereign territory of Armenia and calls on Azerbaijan to respect Armenia's territorial integrity. The European Parliament emphasizes that issues regarding the unblocking of communications in the region must be addressed exclusively in a manner that respects Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Members warn that any military action against Armenia is unacceptable and will have serious repercussions for EU-Azerbaijan partnership. "The EU must be prepared to impose sanctions on any individuals and organizations threatening Armenia's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity," states the resolution.

The resolution, welcoming assistance provided to the armed forces of Armenia from the European Peace Facility, calls for further strengthening Armenia-EU cooperation in the field of security and defense and condemns any military aggression, use of force, or hybrid threats against Armenia.

Highlighting the importance of the EU's civilian mission in Armenia, the Members of the European Parliament express their concern over defamatory and critical statements and campaigns coming from Azerbaijan. In this context, they call on the EU and its member states to enhance and extend the mission's mandate.

The resolution, while welcoming progress achieved between Armenia and Azerbaijan within the framework of the demarcation process, calls on the EU to cease any technical and financial support to Azerbaijan that may bolster its military or security capabilities, and urges member states to freeze all exports of military and security equipment to Azerbaijan.

The resolution calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to release all 23 Armenian prisoners of war. Members urge Azerbaijan to comply with the decisions of the International Court of Justice, including those related to the safe, unhindered, and prompt return of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The resolution urges a comprehensive and transparent dialogue with the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and to provide all necessary guarantees regarding their protection, land, and property rights. The EU institutions are called upon to continue assisting Armenia in meeting the humanitarian needs of those displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Expressing deep concern over the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh, Members of the European Parliament call on Azerbaijani authorities to refrain from any further destruction, neglect, or alteration of cultural, religious, or historical heritage in the region, and instead to preserve, protect, and promote the existing rich diversity. They insist that Azerbaijan must provide necessary access to UNESCO's mission in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The resolution strongly condemns the public insults and direct threats made by Azerbaijani diplomatic representatives or members of the Azerbaijani government and parliament towards elected officials of EU member states. In this context, the European Parliament demands that the entry of Azerbaijani officials into EU institutional buildings be barred until further notice.