Romanian MPs support Azerbaijan’s efforts to combat terrorism, back trial of Armenian separatist

Romanian MP Cristian Terhes has voiced strong support for the trial of Ruben Vardanyan, the former leader of the Karabakh separatists, who is currently facing multiple charges, including torture, mercenarism, violation of laws and customs of war, terrorism, and financing terrorism.

Terhes' remarks, made on his official X account, emphasize the importance of holding accountable individuals involved in separatist activities backed by Moscow, Caliber.Az reports.

"Moscow instigated separatism in the Caucasus, and Europe must fight this!" Terhes declared, calling the trial in Baku a significant step in punishing those responsible for Kremlin-backed separatist actions over decades. He stressed that while Vardanyan should be held accountable, the trial must respect his rights, showcasing a commitment to justice while addressing his anti-constitutional actions.

Separatismul instigat de Moscova în Caucaz și Europa trebuie să fie combătut și sancționat! Procesul de la Bacu împotriva lui Ruben Vardanyan - cunoscut drept "portofelul lui Putin" - este un exemplu de sancționare a celor responsabili pentru decenii de acțiuni separatiste…

— Cristian Terhes MEP (@CristianTerhes) February 13, 2025

This stance was echoed by a group of 19 Romanian parliamentarians who have publicly backed Azerbaijan’s efforts to uphold international law and bring to justice those responsible for separatism in the region. In a statement , they underlined their concern about the continued threat to regional stability posed by separatist movements in post-Soviet states, particularly those receiving support from Moscow.

One of the MPs, Cristian Terhes, specifically highlighted the ongoing trial of Vardanyan and other Karabakh separatists, which he believes sends a powerful message to the international community. "Accountability is inevitable, and punishment cannot be avoided for those who undermine the sovereignty of their states in the interests of the Kremlin," he emphasized.

The MPs stressed that the trial of Vardanyan, alongside that of other separatist leaders like Araik Harutyunyan, should serve as an example of just punishment for anti-constitutional actions supported by the Kremlin in both the Caucasus and Europe. "Separatism and terrorism must be punished," they declared, advocating for global recognition of the need to counter these destructive forces.

The Romanian lawmakers further suggested that these trials could serve as a template for other post-Soviet states, such as Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova, where pro-Kremlin separatist activities continue to threaten national security. Their statement reflects growing international concern about Russia's ongoing support for destabilizing movements in the region.

The trials of Vardanyan and other separatist leaders have sparked significant attention in foreign media, including publications in Lithuania, Poland, and beyond, drawing attention to the broader issue of separatism in the post-Soviet space and Moscow's role in fostering it. These developments have become a critical point of discussion in the fight for regional sovereignty and stability in the face of external influence.

By Vafa Guliyeva