The Flemish Parliament unanimously calls for a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh

The Flemish Parliament unanimously approved a resolution on the precarious situation in Nagorno-Karabakh on Wednesday evening. The people’s representatives condemn the escalating violence, call for an immediate ceasefire and advocate a negotiated solution to the conflict, according to the N-VA.

The Nagorno-Karabakh region has been a conflict zone in the Southern Caucasus between Armenia and Azerbaijan for many years. The region is mainly populated by Armenians, but is officially part of Azerbaijan. In 1988, the conflict escalated into a real war. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Nagorno-Karabakh declared itself an independent republic. The international community has never recognised this, but Nagorno-Karabakh has in fact been governed independently since 1991.

Ceasefire violated

The 1994 ceasefire has proven to be very fragile on several occasions. In recent years, tensions have increased and violence has flared up, and in recent weeks, there have been regular armed confrontations. Under Russian mediation, Armenia and Azerbaijan reached a ceasefire on the night of 9 to 10 October 2020 to allow the exchange of prisoners and fallen soldiers under the supervision of the International Red Cross. Both countries also committed to substantial peace talks supervised by the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe). However, the ceasefire was already breached a few hours later by bombing, including on Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. Dozens were wounded and killed.

Defusing an explosive situation

The N-VA calls the new fighting very disturbing. “Not least because of Turkey’s direct involvement as a traditional ally of Azerbaijan. This explosive situation must be defused as soon as possible. The conflict has already caused more than 30,000 victims in the past. No more human lives should be put at risk. That is why we are calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.”

A peaceful solution at the negotiating table

The political conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh cannot and must not be resolved through war and violence. The Flemish Parliament is calling on the parties to the conflict to reach a peaceful solution at the negotiating table of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.