The President of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan met with the President of the Bundestag Bärbel Bas during a visit to Germany.
A one-on-one meeting was followed by an enlarged meeting.
Noting the importance of multi-layered cooperation and mutual visits of lawmakers between the Armenian and German parliaments, the speakers attached importance to the stable development of the friendly relations between the two countries and strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation, the parliament’s press service said in a readout.
Speaker Simonyan said that Armenia attaches great importance to the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and appreciates Germany’s support in this matter.
Speaking about the post-war situation and the need for urgent solutions to regional security issues, Speaker Simonyan said that the no less destructive developments happening in South Caucasus – around Armenia and the Armenian-populated Nagorno Karabakh – are overlooked by many.
At the request of Bas, Simonyan presented details on the crisis in Lachin Corridor, the danger facing the blockaded 120,000 Armenians of Artsakh and the multi-layered humanitarian problems.
Simonyan warned that Azerbaijan is seeking to forcefully displace the Armenian population before the eyes of the whole world by continuing its policy of ethnic cleansing and creating unbearable living conditions.
The Speaker of Parliament reminded that the United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – issued a binding ruling on February 22, ordering Azerbaijan to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.
“We expect our German colleagues to take practical steps to ensure the immediate implementation of the court’s decision by Azerbaijan through the application of sanctions against Azerbaijan,” Simonyan said.
He added that Armenia welcomes the German side’s efforts aimed at peace in the region and thanked the German government for supporting the EU’s decision on deploying a long-term monitoring mission to Armenia.
Simonyan and Bas also discussed opportunities for active partnership in parliamentarism, parliamentary diplomacy and democracy.
Speaking about the global turbulence containing the threat against peace, the sides stated the need for lasting peace.
The Bundestag president thanked for the comprehensive information on the region, Armenia and the Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh, and for a direct and frank conversation, noting that she is ready to make efforts within her powers to contribute to the resolution of the situation and strengthening the democratic values. Bas added that wars are human evil that distort fates, causing pain and suffering, which is inadmissible and condemnable by the civilized humanity.
Simonyan invited Bas to pay an official visit to Armenia.