“I urge Azerbaijan to take all possible measures to restore unrestricted movement along the Lachin corridor,” said Andrey Kovatchev, the Permanent Rapporteur on Armenian affairs in the European Parliament, during the plenary session of the European Parliament, presenting the resolution on EU-Armenian relations. He also stated that the UN has also adopted such a decision.
Andrey Kovatchev noted that the issue related to the Lachin Corridor is also included in his report, saying that the only vital connection between the RA and Nagorno-Karabakh population has been cut, which deepens the humanitarian crisis for the Nagorno-Karabakh population. He noted that many fundamental principles had been established in the resolution: non-use of force, respect for territorial integrity, and the right of nations to self-determination. He believes respecting these principles can lead to peace between the two sides.
Andrey Kovatchev said: “I regret to say that the Minsk Group has failed. We have worked with this format for decades, and now we must report that it has failed. We cannot consider Russia as an impartial mediator.” Addressing the RA authorities, Andrey Kovatchev stated.
“We call on Armenia to diversify its security partnership and leave Russia, which is doing everything to increase Armenia’s dependence.”
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Welcoming the EU observation mission, he called on the authorities of Azerbaijan to allow an EU observation mission within its borders. Andrey Kovatchev emphasized the return of Armenian prisoners of war, ensuring road communication between Nakhichevan and Western Azerbaijan, excluding hate speech, and avoiding further military clashes. He also positively assessed “the process aimed at normalizing relations between the Republic of Armenia and Turkey.”
The Permanent Rapporteur on issues of Armenia in the European Parliament also emphasized the reforms in the legal field and police reforms in Armenia. He highlighted the issue of visa liberalization and completed that process. At the end of the speech, Andrey Kovatchev referred to the problems related to the restrictions on the activities of RA opposition figures and announced. “I also want to raise another issue that concerns the representatives of the RA opposition. The fact that opposition representatives are not allowed to participate in meetings of European parties with which they are affiliated always raises questions.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
