EFA calls for an end to violence and for the right to self-determination for the people of Artsakh

After an Azeri offensive, violent clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces have been reported, with at least 16 people killed in recent days.

The Democratic Party of Artsakh represents the people of the Republic of Artsakh, and is a member of the European Free Alliance. The DPA works for the recognition of the Republic of Artsakh (also known as the Nagorno Karabakh Republic) as an independent state, and for the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh.

The Republic of Artsakh is not recognised by Azerbaijan, which disputes the territory. Conflict has been ongoing for a century now, with periods of heavy fighting and periods of relative calm.

Both Karabakh and Armenia continue to call for peace and the non-use of force and for the resolution of the conflict exclusively by peaceful means. Despite a global truce called for by the UN Secretary General as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – endorsed by Armenia and Artsakh – Azerbaijan has not, and has launched artillery and tank attacks.


EFA Member of the European Parliament Tatjana Zdanoka said:

“The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict escalated following the dissolution of the Soviet Union into 15 independent states which were recognised by the international community. This left autonomous regions within some of them – including the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region – striving for their right to self-determination and freedom.
The European Union should strongly support the mediation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, the only agreed format for the resolution of the conflict and use its potential to aid in creating an atmosphere conducive to resuming peaceful negotiations”.


EFA President, Lorena López de Lacalle added:

“Since 1991 the Republic of Artsakh has been developing its statehood against all odds, fully conforming today to a democratic society striving for peace and its right to be recognised as such”.

With our member party, the Democratic Party of Artsakh, the European Free Alliance calls for an end to hostilities, for peaceful negotiations, for upholding the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, and for the recognition of the Republic of Artsakh’s statehood.

EFA rejects violence and supports dialogue and negotiation in compliance with international law.

We send our solidarity to the DPA at this challenging time and strongly condemn the violation of the cease-fire by Azerbaijan in the Armenian-Azerbaijani border as well as the targeted attacks of the civilian settlements.