The European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy
(EAFJD) issued a statement, strongly condemning the recent statement by the
European Union concerning the presidential elections in Artsakh. As noted in
the statement, multiple reports and statements from independent experts and
international human rights organizations have warned about Azerbaijan’s
continued policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and its
genocidal essence.
The EAFJD noted that the international community entails responsibility
to protect populations facing genocide or the threat of genocide.
“Unfortunately, the EU’s statement on the recent elections
in Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh encourages Azerbaijan in its destructive stance.
The EU’s failure to act in accordance with these principles is deeply
concerning. By implying that the indigenous Armenian population of
Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh should integrate into Azerbaijani society without
addressing the ongoing hostility, atrocities, and ethnic cleansing by
Azerbaijan, the EU indirectly encourages the brutal oppression of Armenians. As
EU citizens, we call upon our leadership to reconsider EU’s stance in this
regard. Using a principle of international law as a justification to push an
indigenous population to the mercy of a dictatorial oppressor such as
Azerbaijan is reckless at best and inherently bears responsibility,” reads the
statement.
