Artsakh leaders during their sham trial in a Baku court
Angry Baku Summons Ambassadors of Belgium and Netherlands in Protest
The legislatures of the Belgium and the Netherlands separately passed resolutions demanding the release of Armenians being illegally held captive by Azerbaijan and calling for the guarantees for the return of Artsakh Armenians to their homeland.
The dual legislative actions promoted Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry to summon the ambassadors of both countries to officially protest what they called “efforts to undermine Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.”
The Belgian Parliament resolution, which was approved unanimously on Thursday, called for the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to return to their homeland under the protection of international security guarantees, recognizing that no safe return is possible without a robust international mechanism. It also demanded the immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia to the positions held on May 12, 2021. Additionally, the resolution focused on the fate of the Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages currently held in Baku, including the political leadership of Artsakh, whose continued detention remains a major humanitarian concern.
“This vote marks a significant milestone in strengthening the rapprochement between Belgium and Armenia, while signaling strong support for Armenia’s continued integration with the European Union,” the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy said in a statement.
“The Belgian Chamber of Representatives has once again taken a clear, principled stand. Cultivating increased ties between Armenia and Belgium is a positive step for the future but it must be based on ensuring that the fundamental rights of the Armenian people must be defended. We now look to the Belgian government to ensure these demands are translated into concrete diplomatic action,” EAFJD’s President Kaspar Karampetian added.
Belgian Ambassador to Azerbiajn Julien de Fraipont and his Dutch counterpart Marianne de Jong were summoned separately Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry on Monday.
“During the meetings, a strong protest was expressed against the documents adopted by the Parliaments of Belgium and Netherlands on 16 April 2026, which represent yet another reckless attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, as well as the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said in a statement.
Baku accused the two countries’ legislatures of adopting the motions ”based on utterly false and unfounded assessments, reflecting a deeply rooted anti-Azerbaijani bias within these institutions.”
“During the meetings the falsified references concerning the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan as well as all baseless accusations alleging violations of Armenia’s territorial integrity, the rights of ethnic Armenians, and claims regarding the so-called unlawful detention of persons of Armenian origin were strongly and resolutely rejected,” the Azerbaijan foreign minister added.
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