Brussels, 25 July, 2023 – Armenian community leaders and representatives from twelve European countries met virtually on July 24 to discuss ongoing efforts to protect Artsakh’s interests. Participants exchanged ideas on the implementation of decisions taken at the previous meeting, held in Brussels on July 6, and defined future actions. In this regard, the significance of over 470 European organizations joining the letter addressed to the presidents of the European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament, along with the heads of member states of the Council of Europe, within the framework of the “Europeans for Artsakh” movement to end the ongoing illegal blockade of Artsakh, has been revalued.
During the meeting, the focus was on recent developments in Artsakh and the humanitarian and security challenges it is currently facing. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh gave a detailed presentation of the dire situation in the region, highlighting the urgent need for effective international measures to avert impending disaster.
In the course of the discussions, concerns were raised about the European Union’s approach to the negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Participants expressed their disappointment at the problematic statements made by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and decried the European Union’s justification of Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing and ongoing atrocities as unacceptable.
Participants of the meeting also voiced the need for increased European support for Artsakh, including the provision of humanitarian aid and the lifting of the blockade. In addition, the importance of applying sanctions against Azerbaijan’s military and political leaders was stressed as a measure to combat their repeated crimes against humanity.
In light of the discussions, the leaders and representatives agreed to maintain and expand the platform, coordinating their efforts to increase effectiveness and continuing to pressure the European Union leadership to address the Artsakh issue. They also pledged to publicize Azerbaijan’s criminal actions and advocate for a lasting resolution to the Artsakh conflict.
Throughout the meeting, the participants reiterated their unwavering support for the resilient people of Artsakh, recognizing their heroic struggle for the homeland and dignity.
