Artsakh’s right to self-determination protected by European Parliament

Aravot, Armenia
July 9 2017

STRASBOURG, France—The European Parliament on Thursday approved a resolution in which Artsakh’s right to self-determination is protected. The measure is part of European body’s proposals for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in the fall.

By a vote of 457 votes in favor, 124 against and 66 abstentions, the European Parliament approved the proposals, which address human rights, international security, as well as a number of issues regarding existing conflicts.

Of course Azerbaijan attempted to influence the effort by proposing unacceptable amendments, which highlighted the principles of territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders, completely ignoring the principle of peoples’ equal rights and self-determination as it relates to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Baku’s efforts were thwarted through the efforts of the permanent representations of Armenia in the EU, and highlight the self-determination right of the people of Artsakh, as well as non-use of force in the final text of the resolution.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS