West must apply sanctions against Azerbaijan for any encroachment on Armenian territory: interview with Swedish MP

YEREVAN, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS. Swedish MP Erik Hellsborn addressed the possibilities of unblocking communication channels in the South Caucasus. In regard to the threats from Baku within that context, he noted that any attempt by Azerbaijan to encroach on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia should prompt swift action from the West, particularly sanctions.

In an interview with Armenpress, the member of the Swedish Parliament discussed the deepening relations between Armenia and the European Union, the agreement on the demarcation of borders between Yerevan and Baku, and the prospects for unblocking communication channels in the South Caucasus.

- Mr. Hellsborn, we are witnessing how the relations between Armenia and the European Union are being strengthened and deepened, with the parties in a closer partnership than ever before. In your opinion, how important would the deepening of relations between Armenia and the European Union be for the security and prosperity of the region? How would you assess these links?

- International relationships are important for any country, but even more so for smaller countries like Armenia. The Euro-Armenian relationships that have been built in the last few years are positive, and this work should continue. Closer bonds will benefit both parties. 

- Recently, Armenia and Azerbaijan reached an agreement on starting the border delimitation process based on the Alma-Ata Declaration. How would you assess this agreement and, in your opinion, can it bring peace to the two countries and to the South Caucasus region?

- The border disagreements must be resolved for there to be a long-lasting peace, of course. The details of such an agreement are likely to pose a more complex issue. I have been following the debate within Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, and I am aware that there are those who are critical of how the government is handling the situation. It is not my place to say who is in the right here. 

- In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion regarding the need to unblock regional communications in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan demands the so-called “Zangezur corridor” from Armenia, and threatens to get it by force. Mr. Hellsborn, how would you evaluate such aggressive and unprovoked behavior from Azerbaijan?

- The rhetoric from the Aliyev regime regarding the Zangezur corridor is unacceptable. The area in question belongs to Armenia, and Azerbaijan has no rights to the land, nor the right to make any demands regarding it. Any attempt to take control of Armenian land should result in swift action from the West, such as sanctions.

- In response to these claims by the Azerbaijani side, the Government of Armenia initiated the "Crossroads of Peace" project last year. What is your opinion on this initiative?

- I have not read up on all the details regarding the project, but the overall ambition is positive. Democracy, trade, and cooperation are key to long-lasting peace and stability.

Davit Mamyan