EFA calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia

The European party for self-determination is concerned about the possible consequences the escalation of tensions would mean for the people of the Republic of Artsakh

The European Free Alliance calls for an immediate end to hostilities between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in Armenian territory following reports of clashes in local media this morning. The escalation could create a terrible situation for the civilian population, especially for Armenians living in the Republic of Artsakh, whose rights and freedoms have repeatedly been violated by Azerbaijan in recent years. Given the urgency of the matter, the European Free Alliance calls on the European Union and the international community to protect the local civilian population and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. EFA President, Lorena López de Lacalle, said: “We should work towards a solution that guarantees the well-being of the population and that respects their right to self-determination”.

Clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops were reported by the press this Tuesday morning. According to The Guardian, Armenian authorities reported that several towns near the border (including Sotk, Goris and Jermuk) were being shelled and that at least 49 of its soldiers were killed. This would constitute an attack on territory officially recognised as belonging to Armenia. The situation raises fears of the outbreak of a new war in a region which has experienced a fragile stability since 2020.

Therefore, the European Free Alliance calls on the international community not to close their eyes to the conflict and to protect the territory’s population. The EU should do what it can to avoid the outbreak further violence and guarantee the rights and well-being of the civilian population. EFA Secretary General and MEP Jordi Solé said: “I call on the EU to step up its efforts to deescalate the conflict and contribute to a sustainable ceasefire. Human lives are at stake and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan risks destabilizing the whole region”. EFA MEP François Alfonsi, who is also vice-chair of the EP friendship group of Armenia, added: “Last night the Armenian people suffered a new military aggression by Azerbaijan. Europe must condemn the actions of the Azeri dictatorship and stop the current complacency that prevails in the name of economic and energy interests”.

Protect the people of Artsakh

EFA is particularly worried for the people of the Republic of Artsakh. The territory’s present situation, lacking any international recognition or support against the aggression by the Azerbaijani forces, leaves the local population incredibly vulnerable faced with the violation of their rights, violations that the European Free Alliance has repeatedly denounced. For example, last winter the Azerbaijani government cut the gas supply to Artsakh, causing thousands of people to live in freezing conditions. Today, a report from the EFA member party in the area, the Democratic Party of Artsakh, describes the current situation as being calm, but they are expecting an escalation of the tensions at any moment.

For these reasons, EFA calls on the international community to get involved in protecting the people of Artsakh. The European party for self-determination advocates for a peaceful solution that considers people’s needs and feelings over the states’ geo-political interests. “The right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh should be taken into account as soon as talks on the status of this territory can re-start”, explains Mr Jordi Solé.