Belgian resolution under Armenian dictation Experts unpack anti-Azerbaijan vote

On July 17, the Belgian Chamber of Representatives adopted a resolution condemning the “military aggression of Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Artsakh and the violation of international law.” The document was passed unanimously.

This unexpectedly issued resolution claims that “Azerbaijan’s actions against Nagorno-Karabakh and its Armenian population violate fundamental norms of international law.” The Belgian parliament also “unequivocally condemns the threats and rhetoric of Azerbaijani authorities in the context of the so-called ‘Western Azerbaijan.’” The resolution mentions the “illegal detention by Azerbaijan of former ‘NKR’ leaders and unclear judicial proceedings.” Azerbaijan is called upon to “release all Armenian prisoners and guarantee a fair trial.”

Furthermore, the Chamber of Representatives demands that Azerbaijan “ensure the preservation of the cultural and religious heritage of the ‘NKR,’” and also calls for permitting a UNESCO mission to assess the damage caused.

In addition, the resolution appeals to the EU to “apply targeted sanctions against human rights violators, expand the EU observer mission in Armenia, and reconsider relations with Azerbaijan if Baku does not demonstrate genuine readiness to achieve peace.”

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has fully restored its territorial integrity, and the Armenians of Karabakh voluntarily decided to relocate to Armenia, as confirmed by video evidence. And now, almost two years later, the Belgian parliament suddenly demands to “rewind the tape.” Why this sudden activity? And what real value do these calls have?

Renowned experts shared their opinions on this matter with Caliber.Az.

Yevgeny Mikhailov, Director of the Russian Centre for Strategic Studies of the South Caucasus, believes that such resolutions are no longer surprising.

"The Armenian diaspora is not idle — it’s active and organised. France, Belgium — they all act in support of the Armenian regime. Accordingly, more resolutions like this will follow, calling to condemn Azerbaijan’s actions, release former 'ministers' of the non-existent 'NKR', and so on.

A targeted campaign has been underway for many years. Money has been invested — and it needs to be justified. Lawmakers, like anywhere else, act as lobbyists. If a faction receives funding, it will vote and churn out resolutions.

Unfortunately, relations between Russia and Azerbaijan have somewhat cooled recently, given that we share common adversaries in the West. There should be a united front against such actions by Belgian MPs. Joint efforts could open the eyes of certain European parties," Mikhailov believes.

According to him, even joint statements could serve as a response to such provocations.

"As for the core of the issue — someone pays, someone carries it out. The international community turns a blind eye. The negative campaign against Azerbaijan continues, and it’s clear there are attempts to drive a wedge between the EU and Baku. But that won’t succeed, if only because the European Union has few alternatives for affordable energy resources. Purchases from Russia have officially ceased, and now energy is flowing, among other sources, from Azerbaijan.

So, Baku holds a strong trump card. No matter how loudly some may bark, it is precisely energy resources and political independence that prevent the West from pressuring Azerbaijan on all fronts," the expert concluded.

Azerbaijani political analyst Murad Sadaddinov noted that it is difficult to systematically explain why, for what purpose, and in whose interest the Belgian parliament adopted such an absurd resolution.

"I still believe the key role lies with the Armenian diaspora. In Belgium, around 40% of the population are French-speaking citizens closely tied to France, and the French-Armenian diaspora wields considerable influence. It likely has leverage over the Belgian parliament, allowing it to initiate such, to put it mildly, peculiar statements.

Even global media outlets and the President of the United States are now openly stating that Azerbaijan and Armenia are close to signing a peace treaty. Yet we continue to see that forces remain in the world that seek to derail this process. They want continued confrontation in the South Caucasus — they are invested in the ongoing hostility between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in the loss of human life. To achieve political or selfish aims, they are willing to do anything. And in this case, they are skilfully using their channels of influence in the Belgian parliament.

As for the Belgian parliament itself — such statements, which bear no connection to reality, are not only futile, but also undermine the credibility of the institution. It speaks volumes about the level of its work and the principles behind its decision-making.

It’s worth recalling the history of the Belgian parliament. From 2007 to 2011, it held the world record for the longest period without a functioning government — for several years, it failed to form a cabinet and became the subject of mockery in global politics," Sadaddinov pointed out.

In other words, there’s little reason to expect anything serious from this institution.

"Still, I believe that Armenian diaspora organisations, using their influence and financial resources, pushed this document through — a hastily drafted text copied from long-obsolete talking points.

There’s simply no other explanation for the appearance of this absurd resolution, which serves no one’s interests. It is not even beneficial to the Armenian people or the Armenian leadership. This resolution could only have been adopted by those elements within the Armenian diaspora who act in the interests of third-party states and are seeking to undermine — rather than facilitate — the peace process," the expert concluded.