On March 13, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on “closer ties between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.”
EAFJD’s position on the resolution: “The EAFJD is grateful to the European Parliament for its objective stance on Azerbaijan’s destructive policy towards Artsakh / Nagorno Karabakh and the Republic of Armenia. As a pan-European grassroot organisation the EAFJD and its committees have been actively working towards and will always advocate for stronger, closer, and more dynamic EU-Armenia ties. In the meanwhile, considering the geopolitical realities in the region, complementary foreign policy is the path to follow for Armenia for the sake of a strong and vital Armenian statehood.”
Among other stipulations, the European Parliament resolution
- suggests considering a candidate status for EU Membership of Armenia, provided it is interested and meets the Copenhagen criteria;
- warns Azerbaijan against any potential military adventurism against Armenia proper; highlights that Azerbaijan’s connectivity issues with its exclave of Nakhijevan should be resolved with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia;
- calls on Azerbaijan to genuinely engage in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue with the Karabakh Armenians to ensure respect for their rights and guarantee their security, including their right to return to and live in their homes in dignity and safety under international presence,
- underscores that the EU should be ready to impose sanctions on any individuals and entities that threaten the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Armenia,
- recognises the urgent need to strengthen the cooperation between the EU and Armenia in the field of security and defence.