The European Parliament has adopted a resolution recognizing Armenians held in Azerbaijan, including former Nagorno-Karabakh leaders, as prisoners of war. The resolution condemns their trials as illegal and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

Discussed on the evening of March 12, the resolution is expected to pass in a vote scheduled for midday today, given its support from all major parliamentary groups, as reported by RFE/RL.

"We can no longer remain silent. These individuals' only 'crime' was defending their land, their people, and their rights. If we take no action now, we send a clear message to Aliyev that he can continue his actions against Armenia with impunity," stated MEP Magina Meszhug, a co-author of the resolution.

European lawmakers noted that "Azerbaijani forces have committed ethnic cleansing and violence that should be investigated by the International Criminal Court." However, instead of pursuing this, Europe is making deals with Aliyev, considering him a strategic partner.

François Bellamy questioned why Putin's aggression against Ukraine is punished, while Aliyev's actions remain unpunished.

"How can you justify importing gas from Azerbaijan? How can you justify cooperating with criminals committing heinous crimes? Isn't receiving gas from Baku just as unacceptable as from Russia? Isn't it the same?" asked the French MEP.

Co-author of the resolution, Miriam Lexmann, emphasized that the European Union should set clear demands for Baku, including achieving peace with Armenia and guaranteeing the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, including their right to return.

"Instead, we are once again appeasing the aggressor and rewarding Aliyev's regime by expanding trade with him. It's time to stop dreaming about strategic cooperation. We must face reality and act in accordance with our values and principles," Lexmann declared.

Despite Baku's claims that the rights of detained Armenians are protected, the European Parliament's resolution highlights that they are subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment, including the use of prohibited psychotropic substances.

"Independent bodies are unable to monitor these sham trials, and under these conditions, Baku is also halting the activities of the Red Cross," noted the MEPs, calling on European ambassadors in Azerbaijan to at least visit the detained Armenians.

"I am glad that this parliament consistently follows this issue, but unfortunately, it seems we are the only European institution addressing it. We cannot continue to engage with Azerbaijan as before, sacrificing our values for economic and energy interests," stated Katalin Cseh.

However, the resolution is non-binding and advisory in nature. The differing positions of the European Parliament and the European Commission's foreign policy coordinator became evident during a speech by Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen. He avoided even calling for the release of the detainees.

"The EU will continue to urge the Azerbaijani government to adhere to its international obligations, including fair trials. We will use every opportunity to encourage Azerbaijan to ensure safe and dignified conditions for the detainees," Jørgensen stated.

The commissioner did not specify the mechanisms the EU plans to use but spoke about the need to achieve peace in the region, equating Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"It is important that the governments of both countries lead their societies on the path to peace. The EU will continue to support this process with all the tools at our disposal. We are ready to help achieve lasting and sustainable peace through dialogue between the parties," Jørgensen said.

MEP Pernando Barrena Arza directly asked the European Commission whether the EU is ready to apply the same sanctions against Aliyev if he attacks Armenia as it did against Putin after attacking Ukraine. However, the commissioner left this question unanswered.

After the 44-day war, European Council President Charles Michel initiated several meetings between Pashinyan and Aliyev to normalize relations. In recent years, however, the President of Azerbaijan insists that there is no need for external intervention and prefers to negotiate with Armenia without intermediaries.