European Parliament calls for “targeted” sanctions against Azerbaijan, calling the abandonment of Nagorno-Karabakh by its Armenian residents “ethnic cleansing”
European Parliament calls for ‘targeted’ sanctions against Azerbaijan, calling it ‘ethnic cleansing’ the abandonment of Nagorno-Karabakh by its Armenian inhabitants.
With a resolution adopted today by a very large majority (491 in favor, 9 against and 36 abstentions), the European Parliament strongly condemns Azerbaijan’s premeditated and unjustified military attack against Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, which, according to MEPs, constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and human rights and a clear violation of previous cease-fire efforts. With over 100,000 Armenians forced to flee the enclave following the latest attack, MEPs say the current situation amounts to ethnic cleansing and unequivocally condemn the threats and violence perpetrated by Azeri troops against the Armenian residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.
They also call on the EU and member states to provide all necessary assistance to Armenia immediately to deal with the influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
The European Parliament calls on the EU to approve targeted sanctions against government officials in Baku responsible for multiple ceasefire violations and human rights violations in Nagorno-Karabakh. Reminding the Azerbaijani side that it bears full responsibility for the safety of all people in the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, MEPs call for an investigation into violations committed by Azeri troops that may amount to war crimes.
Expressing serious concern over the redemptive and inflammatory statements of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and other Azeri officials that threaten the territorial integrity of Armenia, MEPs warn Baku against any possible military adventurism. In addition, MEPs call on Turkey to restrict its ally.
The EP calls on the EU to carry out a comprehensive review of its relations with Baku. Developing a strategic partnership with a country like Azerbaijan, which flagrantly violates international law and international commitments and has an alarming human rights record, is incompatible with the EU’s foreign policy goals, MEPs stress. They urge the EU to suspend any negotiations on a renewed partnership with Baku and, should the situation not improve, to consider suspending the EU’s visa facilitation agreement with Azerbaijan.
The Parliament also calls on the EU to reduce its dependence on gas imports from Azerbaijan and in the event of a military attack or major hybrid attacks against Armenia, the EP calls for a complete cut off of oil and gas imports to the EU.
Source :Skai
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