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Fernand Kartheiser, a Member of the European Parliament representing Luxembourg, has once again addressed the EU’s foreign policy leadership, calling for clearer and more practical steps toward securing the release of Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan. He warned that the issue could undermine the fragile progress achieved in the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process.
Armenpress Brussels correspondent reports that in a letter addressed to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, Kartheiser emphasized that the court proceedings held in Baku are politically motivated and fail to meet standards of legality and transparency. The MEP urged the EU to intervene to facilitate the unconditional release of all detained Armenians, stressing the importance of upholding international law and protecting human rights.
In response to Kartheiser’s letter, Kallas’ office stated that the EU is monitoring the trials of representatives of the former military-political leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The reply emphasized that the right to a fair trial and adequate conditions of detention are fundamental rights, and that the EU has called on the Azerbaijani authorities to respect their international obligations.
Kallas’ office also said that the EU continues to encourage the parties to use the momentum created since August in the peace process to resolve outstanding issues, including humanitarian concerns.
Kartheiser had previously raised the issue of Armenians detained in Baku.
The European Parliament continues to keep the issue of the immediate return of those unlawfully detained in Baku on its agenda and to exert pressure with the aim of achieving tangible results.