48 deputies from all major political factions of the European Parliament sent a letter to the High Representative of the European Union Joseph Borrell, expressing outrage at Azerbaijan’s military aggression against the civilian population of Artsakh.
The Members of the European Parliament call on the Head of European Diplomacy to take concrete steps in this direction and to take substantive actions. The letter was initiated by Cypriot MEP, Chairman of the Armenia-EU Friendship Group in the European Parliament, Lucas Furlas.
ArmLur.am sent several questions to Lucas Furlas.
-What you think about Karabakh conflict and what you think, how it can resolved?
-First of all, I would like to strongly condemn any kind of violence and aggression. The military operations of Baku, are targeting civilian settlements and infrastructures, causing casualties of civilians, the elderly, women and children. The disputed area of Nagorno-Karabakh is in need of a peaceful solution. Any kind of escalation with the involvement of third countries, such as Turkey, can rapidly worsen the situation with unpredictable consequences for the whole region. Finding a solution can only come through dialogue and goodwill on both sides. We as the European Union are ready to support any efforts made in this context.
-What can give the letter of 47 deputies?
-The letter emphasizes that the action of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the region is a clear violation of humanitarian law, contributing to the geopolitical instability of the region, and calls on the European Union to take immediate and decisive initiatives so that both parties can return to the negotiations under the framework of the Minsk Group. The main goal for the EU is not allow Nagorno-Karabakh turning into Libya, where the involvement of Turkey and Russia has caused a prolonged internal conflict to the detriment of Libyan people.
-The UN, the Minsk Group, the EU have all called for an immediate ceasefire yet the fighting continues, why? And what expect from the international community?
We are not condemning Azerbaijani people, but the authoritarian dictatorship of it, which declares war on Armenian people once again. This authoritarian government of Baku is clearly supported not only verbally, but also with military equipment and mercenaries from Turkey. We call on all sides to show restraint and to end hostilities so that tensions can escalate as soon as possible. Efforts are being made to resolve disputes peacefully on the basis of international law, through the negotiation process.
–Many countries called that in Karabakh there are many islamists. And what you think about Ankara’s role in that conflict.
Once again, we are witnessing Turkish provocation, violence and aggression. Turkish-backed military groups arrived in Azerbaijan from Syria and Erdogan promises Ankara’s full support to Baku’s military operations. As the EU, we cannot maintain a policy of equal distances between perpetrator and victim. We are therefore moving towards immediate de-escalation of tension, which is clearly due to the aggressive actions of Baku, supported by Erdogan. The Armenian population of the region has the right to a peaceful life and prosperity and it is our duty to support them.
-Nagorno-Karabakh has been independent for almost 30 years. Why didn’t any country recognize it? And what you think, Cyprus can recognize Artsakh?
-The Republic of Cyprus reaffirms its long-standing and unwavering support for the principle of the peaceful settlement of international disputes, based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. In this context, we support the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the framework of the agreed peace process, under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group. This position was also stressed in the recent European Council Conclusions to which we are fully committed. Ιn the same context, it is recalled that the unilateral declaration of independence by the “Republic of Artsakh” has not been recognized by any UN member state or international organization. As regards the recent escalation, the Republic of Cyprus express disappointment that the humanitarian ceasefire facilitated by the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation on October 10 is not observed. We are deeply concerned about the increase of casualties among civilians. We condemn the attacks against the civilian population and non-military targets. We call on the parties involved to immediately abide by the terms of a lasting ceasefire and to return to meaningful negotiations under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs without preconditions. Finally, we condemn all actions by third parties that fuel tensions and in particular Turkey’s active participation in hostilities on the side of the Azerbaijani army. Τhe pattern of geopolitical extortion exerted by Turkey in the wider region, as part of its irredentist ambition requires the immediate attention of the international community.
Author-Naira Hovhannisyan
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