During the 45th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CoE Congress) held in Strasbourg, the declaration on the topic “Humanitarian situation in Karabakh and neighboring cities and regions” was adopted with a ratio of 55 “for,” 12 “against” votes.
The author of the document, Bern Voehringer (Germany), during the plenary session of the CoE Congress before the discussion and voting of the declaration, used the definition of exodus during his speech in connection with what happened to the Armenians living in Karabakh and declared: “Congress cannot remain silent on a situation that has a tremendous impact on local governments in the region, nor can it remain silent on human rights. Human rights must be protected; humanitarian needs must be taken care of.
The Congress should condemn the military operations of Azerbaijan, which took many human lives and caused the flight of Karabakh Armenians to Armenia. The Congress should express its concern regarding the current humanitarian situation and solidarity with the local authorities of Armenia, who are at the forefront of efforts to accept Karabakh Armenians. Bern Voehringer assured that the purpose of this statement is to reflect the current humanitarian situation of human rights and stressed: “The purpose of this document is not to address the various aspects of this conflict. This statement should be the first step, a response to the current situation, followed by a visit to the region and preparing a more detailed report.”
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Referring to the use of the term Karabakh instead of the name Nagorno-Karabakh in the title of the report, the author of the declaration said: “I know that the word Karabakh will not please everyone, but I am also sure that there is no other term that can please everyone. As a result of discussions with the bureau, a decision was made to use the word Karabakh, which is on the same line as the statements of the CoE secretary.
In the text of the declaration, it is specifically recorded: “The Congress strongly condemns the military operation carried out by Azerbaijan in Karabakh on September 19-20, 2023, and the 10-month blockade of the region, which led to a difficult humanitarian situation, significant loss of life and the flight of more than 100,000 people to Armenia.”
Although the document states that the Congress recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, there is also deep concern about the humanitarian situation. The Congress welcomes the efforts of the RA authorities to accept the Karabakh Armenians who had to flee the region.
The Congress document also states: “The Congress regrets the serious humanitarian consequences of the situation created by Azerbaijan’s military action and the blockade of the region and calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to refrain from any action that could lead to further deterioration of the situation and further exodus of the population.”
In the declaration, there is also a reservation regarding the detention of the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan.
“Congress joins the Parliamentary Assembly and the EU Committee of the Regions in calling for the release of all Karabakh representatives detained in Azerbaijan.” Also, “Congress expresses its solidarity and full support to the local authorities of Armenia, who are at the forefront of efforts to accept Karabakh Armenians.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
Strasbourg
