A Group of Parliamentarians Criticizes Kaya Kalas's Upcoming Visit to Azerbaijan

A group of parliamentarians from the European Parliament and various parliaments of European countries have expressed concern and criticized the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kalas, regarding her official visit to Azerbaijan on April 25.

According to Armenpress, the parliamentarians made their remarks on the X microblog platform. Cypriot MEP Lukas Fourlas noted in his post: “Kaya Kalas's visit to Azerbaijan on April 25 raises serious concerns. This visit comes against the backdrop of ongoing cross-border violence by Azerbaijan, the illegal detention of Armenian peace citizens, and blatant threats towards the EU monitoring mission in Armenia.”

French National Assembly member Isabelle Santiago also stated that it is scandalous to learn that the EU High Representative is traveling to Azerbaijan on April 25, coinciding with the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, while Armenian prisoners remain in Baku's jails.

Spanish parliamentarian Francesc Marc Álvaro remarked that Kaya Kalas's visit to Baku on April 25 is a significant cause for concern: “The state of human rights in Azerbaijan is poor, and this visit could harm the relations between the EU and Armenia, a key partner firmly committed to peace.”

Another Spanish parliamentarian, Jon Inarritu, specifically wrote: “While Azerbaijan violates human rights and international law, Kaya Kalas officially visits Baku. Other countries in the Caucasus promote democracy and peace, yet the EU prioritizes authoritarian and aggressive regimes.”

Former German Bundestag member Michael Roth also questioned Kaya Kalas, asking whether gas is more important for Europe than the pro-European commitment. “You are visiting Baku’s authoritarian regime while avoiding the democracy in Yerevan. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan rejects our values, and Armenia is approaching the European Union. What is the state of strategic thinking in Brussels?” wrote the former parliamentarian.

Earlier, it was reported that the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kalas, is scheduled to officially visit Azerbaijan on April 25.