The Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh suffered historic suffering at the hands of Azerbaijan last week. 120,000 Armenians who had to leave everything behind in a hurry, Bert-Jan Ruissen, MEP from Netherlands, stated at the 'Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s attack and the continuing threats against Armenia' debate in the European Parliament.
"A crime, right on the doorstep of the European Union. And what did the Member States do, what did the Council do, what did the European Commission do? They made it all happen.
The European External Action Service still speaks of Azerbaijan as a reliable partner. Incomprehensible. In fact, the European Union even facilitates Azerbaijan by purchasing a lot of gas. This has to stop. Anyone who does not take action now gives Azerbaijan a license to continue hostile actions, including on Armenian territory. I have great concerns about that.
I therefore urgently ask you to:
1) suspending the gas deal with Azerbaijan;
2) imposing sanctions against those responsible for the blockade and attacks;
3) a UNESCO mission to safeguard cultural and Christian heritage;
4) expanding the European mission in Armenia with access to the Azerbaijani side of the border.
Mr Borrell last week promised a strong response to a forced departure of the Armenians. Well, the region is empty. But where does that leave the European Union? This is worrying, especially since the raid does not come as a surprise.
Last summer I stood at the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I spoke with people from Nagorno-Karabakh who could not return to their families and their jobs due to the blockade of the Lachın corridor. Their emotional stories about the humanitarian situation touched me deeply. I have seen the desperation in their eyes.
Armenia desperately needs European support and decisiveness now. I count on your co-operation," Bert-Jan Ruissen stated.
