The European Parliament is set to discuss the issue of Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) illegally held in Baku during its plenary session in Strasbourg on March 12. This discussion is anticipated to be a significant step by the international community to exert pressure on Azerbaijani authorities to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Armenian POWs and civilians. The issue will be addressed within the framework of debates on cases of violations of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, underscoring the humanitarian and legal gravity of the problem.
Strasbourg in Focus: European Parliament Plenary Session and the Issue of Armenian POWs.
The plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg will this time pay particular attention to the protection of human rights, with the fate of Armenian POWs held in Baku occupying a crucial place among these issues. The European Parliament, as the legislative body of the European Union, is authorized to raise and discuss human rights violations, regardless of their geographical location. The issue of Armenian POWs, repeatedly raised by various international organizations, has now reached the highest political level of the European Parliament.
Human Rights on the Agenda: Armenian POWs as a Case of Human Rights Violations.
The discussion on Armenian POWs in the European Parliament is taking place within the context of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. According to international legal norms, prisoners of war must be released immediately after the cessation of hostilities. Azerbaijan’s continued detention of Armenian POWs, which has been ongoing for an extended period, is viewed as a gross violation of international humanitarian law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The European Parliament, acting as a champion of human rights protection, seeks to respond to this violation and achieve the restoration of justice.
“Illegal Detentions and Sham Trials of Armenian Hostages by Azerbaijan”: Key Theme of Discussion.
The main theme of the European Parliament’s plenary session discussion is “Illegal detentions and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including the highest political representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan”. This wording clearly indicates the political context of the issue and Azerbaijan’s intention to use prisoners as leverage for political purposes. The discussion will focus not only on Armenian POWs but also on the illegal detention of political figures and civilians who are subjected to sham trials and inhumane treatment.
Resolution Expected on March 13: Potential Actions by the European Parliament.
As a result of the discussion, the European Parliament is expected to adopt an urgent resolution aimed at drawing international attention to the issue of Armenian POWs and exerting direct influence on Azerbaijan. The resolution may include calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian POWs, condemnation of Azerbaijan’s actions for violating international law and human rights norms, as well as proposing concrete mechanisms to monitor the release of prisoners and prevent similar cases in the future. The adoption of the resolution will serve as a clear political message from the European Parliament to Azerbaijan and the international community.
International Pressure on Azerbaijan: Significance of the European Parliament’s Stance.
The raising of the issue of Armenian POWs by the European Parliament and the potential adoption of a resolution can exert significant pressure on Azerbaijan in the international arena. The European Union, being a major political and economic player, can influence Azerbaijan’s behavior with its stance and force it to reconsider its approach to human rights issues. International pressure, accompanied by a clear stance from the European Parliament, can contribute to the process of releasing Armenian POWs and prevent further violations.
European Parliament Debates: Scope of Expected Discussions.
The debates expected in the European Parliament on March 12 will be multifaceted and comprehensive. MEPs will have the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding the fate of Armenian POWs, condemn Azerbaijan’s actions, and call on the international community to take active steps. During the debates, arguments and evidence will be presented, testifying to the inhumane treatment of Armenian POWs and the gross violations of their rights. Discussions are expected to be sharp and principled, reflecting the deep concern of Members of the European Parliament regarding this serious human rights violation.
European Parliament’s Position: Human Rights Protection as a Priority.
The European Parliament’s consideration of the issue of Armenian POWs and the potential adoption of a resolution demonstrate that human rights protection is a priority for the European Union. The European Parliament is prepared to consistently defend human rights worldwide and respond to every instance of their violation. Including the issue of Armenian POWs on the European Parliament’s agenda is another step in this direction, demonstrating Europe’s commitment to universal human rights values and its readiness to fight for justice and human dignity.