Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s ambitions toward Armenia have not changed since the Armenian Genocide, says MEP
French Member of the European Parliament Nicolas Bay believes that Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s ambitions toward Armenia have remained unchanged since the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and that more than a century later, Armenia continues to face similar threats and challenges, Armenpress writes.
“As a Frenchman and a European, I can state that both we and the European Union stand in solidarity with Armenia—solidarity that is rooted in our shared civilizational values. Armenia is the first Christian country, and this historical fact creates a deep connection between the peoples of Armenia and the EU. At the same time, due to its geopolitical position, Armenia is constantly targeted by neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey, who strive to recreate the great Ottoman Empire. As French and Europeans, we must stand by the Armenians and never leave them alone,” Bay stated.
The MEP added that even 105 years later, they are witnessing similar challenges and manifestations of aggression.
“The complete occupation of Artsakh by Azerbaijan and the displacement of Armenians are clear evidence of this. Artsakh has been Armenian territory for centuries, and now churches and sanctuaries there are being turned into mosques, which means the erasure of Armenian identity. Some European institutions and countries, driven by their economic and political interests, turn a blind eye to these issues. But we genuinely show our solidarity and support for Armenians, presenting the reality and raising the issues that concern the Armenian people,” the MEP said.
According to him, Azerbaijan’s failure to release Armenian prisoners is another manifestation of aggression against Armenia. Bay stated that there is no territorial conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, rather there are discussions about borders. “But the historical reality is that the people of Artsakh should have the opportunity to live safely in their homeland,” Bay said.
Speaking about the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the fact that the parties have agreed on the content of the peace treaty, Nicolas Bay noted that Armenia and the Armenian people have a legitimate aspiration for peace, and that the security of Armenians should be a key precondition.
“Indeed, it is clear that the Armenian government is trying to implement the peace treaty by avoiding contentious issues, while Azerbaijan is putting forward new demands, obstructing the process, and even expressing ambitions towards Armenia’s territorial integrity. It is obvious that by making new preconditions, Azerbaijan essentially does not want to sign the peace treaty and is undermining the settlement process. The peace treaty is, of course, desirable, but it must be based on two essential and irrevocable elements: the territorial integrity of Armenia and the security of the Armenian people,” the MEP noted.
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