Belgian Federal Parliament calls for right of return of Artsakh Armenians
"This vote is an important milestone in strengthening the rapprochement between Belgium and Armenia, as well as an expression of support for Armenia's further integration into the European Union," the EAFJD statement reads.
It is noted that the resolution, introduced by Member of Parliament Michel de Magde, which was previously unanimously adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee, calls, among other things, for the right of return of the people of Artsakh to be realized with international security guarantees. According to the resolution, safe return is impossible without an effective international mechanism. The resolution also demands the immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and their return to the positions they occupied as of May 12, 2021. Furthermore, the resolution addresses the fate of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages currently held in Baku, including the political leadership of Artsakh, whose detention remains a serious humanitarian concern. Commenting on the adoption of the resolution, Gaspar Karampetian, Chairman of the European Office of Hay Dat, noted that the Belgian House of Representatives has once again taken a clear and principled position. "Strengthening ties between Armenia and Belgium is a positive step for the future, but it must also be based on the protection of the fundamental rights of the Armenian people. We now expect the Belgian government to ensure that these demands are translated into concrete diplomatic action," he noted. The European Office of Hay Dat called on the Belgian government and the European Union to use this resolution as a basis for holding Azerbaijan accountable and ensuring a just and sustainable peace in the region.
It should be noted that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate the number to be several hundred. Currently, the Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan. Today, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison on trumped-up charges. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison.