“Why should the Caucasus be an area of military operations, if not a prosperous area?” European Parliament member Viola von Cramon-Taubadel said during the urgent debate-discussion entitled “Humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh” convened at the January 18 plenary session of the European Parliament. Addressing his colleagues, she said: “Let’s imagine all the possibilities. The train goes from Baku to Yerevan and vice versa. Former friends who became enemies become friends again. Investments are flowing; the Caucasus is prospering. To confirm this situation, 120 thousand Armenians, who are currently under inhumane blockade, should have the opportunity to live in peace, without the fear of ethnic cleansing.”
The members of the European Parliament made harsh speeches against Azerbaijan, demanding to open the Lachin corridor. Some of them announced that the so-called “environmental activists” are financed by the authorities of Azerbaijan. Many of them also criticized the Russian Federation. Viola von Kramon-Taubadel declared: “Russia is creating chaos to benefit from it. Meanwhile, the EU should bring stable peace to both countries because it is from our European values to see a peaceful and prosperous Caucasus.”
Natհalie Loiseau criticized Russia. “They say that the Russian peacekeepers ensure the continuity of the Lachin corridor. They do nothing. In reality, Russia is doing everything to keep this toxic conflict unresolved. What Aliyev is doing, is more than a blockade. And what are we Europeans doing? We do nothing.”
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MP Bert-Jan Ruissen also criticized Russia. “It is clear that Azerbaijan is behind all this. Recently, that country also attacked the territories of Armenia. This must be stopped. The Russian Federation does not respect the obligations of 2020, and we must fulfill ours. We should send more European observers and put more pressure on Baku.”
MP Martina Michels also raised the alarm. “People are cold and hungry in Nagorno-Karabakh. They need an air bridge. The EU should stop the double standards because we know that Russia owns Azerbaijan’s gas. If the EU Commission and the President want to be able to look in the mirror, they should prevent this inhuman disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh through the UN and the OSCE. She noted that it would be a shame for the EU to apply double standards because of Azerbaijani gas.
Deputy Emmanouil Fragkos announced: “Rescuing the Armenian population through an airlift is the least we have to do by the end of this week.” Deputy Fabio Massimo Castaldo also emphasized that the EU monitoring mission could have access to the Lachine corridor.
In summing up the discussion, EU Commissioner Adina-Ioana VАLEAN stated that the EU is following the situation related to the Lachine Corridor very carefully.
She once again reiterated the position of the EU to immediately open the Lachine corridor and stop the pressure on the civilian population. She also stated what security programs are being implemented and assured that the EU is ready to support all negotiations for building trust and establishing peace.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
