The European Parliament adopted a resolution Thursday in support of Nagorno-Karabakh and condemning Azerbaijan’s aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh. The resolution also called on the EU to sanction Azerbaijani officials who were responsible for attacks that led to numerous human rights violations.

The resolution took into consideration the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia, in particular, the humanitarian consequences of Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, the destruction of cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and the treatment of Armenian prisoners of war following the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

On September 19, the longstanding conflict in the region came to a head after Azerbaijan carried out a military operation to take control over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory where ethnic Armenians have lived for centuries. Over 100,000 ethnic Armenians have fled in recent days, with Human Rights Watch urging Azerbaijani authorities to take substantive steps to facilitate Armenian’s right to return.

The resolution strongly condemned the conflict, which was described as a gross violation of international law and a clear infringement of previous attempts to achieve a ceasefire. The resolution also called for investigations into abuses committed by Azerbaijani forces that could constitute war crimes. 

In addition, the European Parliament approved an amendment to stop buying gas from Azerbaijan, following the attacks from their government. The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament welcomed this decision, stating that it brings a clear message that violating international law, ceasefire agreements and human rights has consequences.

The resolution was adopted with 491 votes in favor, 9 against and 36 abstentions.