The gas bought from Azerbaijan can’t be more important than human rights: Urgent resolution on Armenian prisoners discussed in European Parliament

The European Parliament debated on March 12 the motion for a resolution on unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages by Azerbaijan, Armenpress writes.

MEP Miriam Lexmann, co-author of the resolution, said in her speech that the sham trials and inhumane treatment of the hostages show “Azeri leader Ilham Aliyev’s true face, a regime that is ignoring international obligations.”

“While the EU seeks strategic partnership, the Baku regime continues to threaten its neighbors and hinder efforts for regional peace.

There is an urgent need in the present geopolitical environment for the EU to protect its values, especially in its direct neighborhood. But instead, we are again trying to appease the dictator and encourage Aliyev’s actions by expanding trade cooperation. Haven’t we learned lessons? It is time to end the illusions of strategic partnership, face reality and act in accordance with our values and principles,” Lexmann said.

Co-author, MEP Vasile Dincu said in his speech that the situation of Armenian political prisoners is a big question mark for justice, stability and peace in this part of the Caucasus. He noted that the European Parliament has never deviated from its principles on the above-mentioned issues, including on the issue of Armenia’s sovereignty and independence.

“”We want to be part of these trials and support possible sanctions against Azerbaijani officials who commit judicial abuses. We must impose strict sanctions against these officials and encourage the prevention of such violence in the future. The future is far from positive. Given the military situation in the region, we must act now and take concrete measures to not allow a future tragedy,” Dincu said.

Co-author, MEP Nathalie Loiseau compared the sham trials against Armenians in Azerbaijan with Stalin-era trials. She said that the hostages are only guilty of “being Armenian.” The MEP expressed regret that EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas was not in attendance at the plenary session. She called on the top diplomat to visit Armenia and see a country “aspiring for peace and a dream of Europe.”

More than ten MEPs representing all political groups of the European Parliament delivered remarks at the debate, calling for a strong EU reaction on the matter, holding Azerbaijan to account and imposing sanctions. They called the current political situation shameful.

The MEPs noted that the natural gas bought from Azerbaijan can’t be more important than human rights and European values, stressing that there is no difference between Russian and Azerbaijani gas.

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