Armenia Reorienting Foreign Policy Towards the West Following Nagorno-Karabakh Loss, Says MEP
- Key Takeaways:
- Polish MEP Michal Szczerba suggests Armenia is shifting its foreign policy westwards.
- This shift is attributed to Armenia losing control over Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Szczerba urges EU to deepen economic ties with Armenia to support this reorientation.
- MEP also calls for extending EU monitoring mission in Armenia for stronger European presence.
- Concerns raised about treatment of Armenian detainees in Baku, demanding EU action.
In a recent discussion at the European Parliament concerning «Azerbaijan’s illegal detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh,» Polish MEP Michal Szczerba made a notable statement regarding Armenia’s foreign policy orientation. According to Szczerba, the Armenian authorities have «decided to change the course of their foreign policy» following the loss of control over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Call for Deeper EU Economic Ties and Extended Monitoring Mission
To facilitate Armenia’s greater integration with the West, Szczerba emphasized the need for the European Union to «deepen economic ties with Armenia». He advocated for a more active European presence in Armenia, specifically proposing the renewal of the mandate for the EU civilian monitoring mission in the country. This suggestion underscores a belief that increased EU engagement could provide Armenia with stronger support and potentially counterbalance other regional influences.
Concerns over the Treatment of Detainees
Addressing the situation of Armenians illegally held in Baku, MEP Szczerba also highlighted the «reports of torture of prisoners», stating that «these cannot be ignored». He affirmed the necessity to «fight for human dignity and the rule of law, which are European values». This aligns with broader concerns expressed by other MEPs and international human rights organizations regarding the conditions and treatment of the detained individuals.
Implications for EU-Armenia Relations
Szczerba’s remarks contribute to the ongoing discourse within the European Parliament about the EU’s role in the South Caucasus, particularly in the context of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. His suggestion of a foreign policy shift in Armenia and the corresponding need for increased EU engagement signals a potential avenue for closer cooperation between Armenia and the European Union in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region. The focus on economic ties and the monitoring mission indicates a preference for diplomatic and supportive measures alongside the condemnation of human rights abuses.