Azerbaijan summons EU ambassador over European Parliament resolution on Karabakh UPDATED

On 1 May, the Ambassador of the European Union to Azerbaijan, Marijana Kujundžić, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan following the adoption of a resolution by the European Parliament on 30 April concerning Azerbaijan.

According to the press release by the Ministry, the Azerbaijani side “firmly condemned” the unfounded and biased provisions contained in the resolution adopted by the European Parliament and delivered a protest note to the EU diplomat during the meeting.

The Ministry stated that officials stressed the resolution “distorts realities and runs contrary to the principles of objectivity, as well as to the obligations of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.” It was further noted that “such an approach by the European Parliament negatively affects the normalisation process in the region, as well as the prospects of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union.”

A particular point of contention was the European Parliament’s references to the return of Armenian residents to the Karabakh region. The Azerbaijani side described these claims as “entirely unfounded,” adding that they “constitute interference in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs.” It was also stated that, in line with Azerbaijan’s Constitution and the reintegration plan presented in 2023, “Armenian residents voluntarily left the region,” and that contrary assertions were incorrect.

The meeting also addressed calls in the resolution for the release of individuals of Armenian origin described as “prisoners of war.” According to the Ministry, such demands were deemed “legally unacceptable.” The Azerbaijani side emphasised that while a number of detainees had been released as part of humanitarian steps and confidence-building measures, those remaining in custody had been convicted for “serious crimes, including terrorism, sabotage, and war crimes.”

The statement also rejected allegations regarding the “destruction of cultural and religious heritage,” calling them “entirely unfounded and unacceptable.” It added that during the period of occupation, “large-scale destruction and desecration of Azerbaijan’s cultural and religious heritage took place,” and criticised European institutions for not giving sufficient attention to these issues at the time.

The Azerbaijani side concluded by urging the European Union to “prevent such steps that harm Azerbaijan–EU relations as well as the peace and normalisation process in the region.”

By Vugar Khalilov