The European Parliament calls for a non-binding reassessment of cooperation with Azerbaijan

Baku/05.10.23/Turan:  The European Parliament (EP) convened in Strasbourg today and voted on a non-binding resolution that calls upon the European Union (EU) to impose sanctions against Azerbaijan in response to the ongoing events in the former Nagorno-Karabakh. This resolution also urges a reassessment of cooperation with Azerbaijan and a reduction in reliance on Azerbaijani gas imports.

The resolution, supported by a resounding majority of 491 deputies, with nine opposing and 36 abstaining, underscores the gravity of the situation in the former Nagorno-Karabakh and signals a strong message from the European Parliament. While such resolutions are legally non-binding, they carry substantial political weight, often influencing decisions made by other European institutions.

Additionally, MEPs have called upon the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy to halt negotiations on updating the partnership agreement with Azerbaijan until the country demonstrates a genuine commitment to respecting the rights and security of the Armenian population in the former Nagorno-Karabakh. In the absence of substantial progress, the European Parliament suggests that EU member states contemplate suspending the visa facilitation agreement and curbing cooperation with Azerbaijan across various domains.

Addressing energy concerns, the resolution emphasizes the necessity for the EU to "reduce dependence on gas from Azerbaijan" and, in the event of further escalations between Baku and Armenia, to "completely stop importing oil and gas" from Azerbaijan.

Moreover, the resolution compels the EU to actively work towards securing international guarantees for the safety of Armenians residing in the former Nagorno-Karabakh. It also calls for the restoration of full humanitarian access to the region, along with a substantial increase in humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the EP expresses disappointment with the organization of the first UN mission to the former Nagorno-Karabakh and advocates for the establishment of an international presence in the region under UN auspices.

The resolution does not shy away from criticizing the European Commission and EU diplomacy head, Josep Borrel, for allegedly ignoring the warnings from the European Parliament regarding the deteriorating situation in  the former Nagorno-Karabakh and the perceived lack of positive outcomes resulting from their actions. The European Parliament insists on an immediate review of the EU's diplomatic and security framework in the South Caucasus region.

Lastly, the resolution places a significant onus on Azerbaijan, emphasizing its responsibility for the safety and well-being of the former Nagorno-Karabakh residents. It calls upon Azerbaijani authorities to facilitate the secure return of Armenians to the former Nagorno-Karabakh and to release all detained Armenians from the region, including politicians.

While this resolution is not legally binding, it serves as a compelling indicator of the European Parliament's stance on the former Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and could have repercussions for EU-Azerbaijan relations in the future.-0--