The EU must pressure Azerbaijan to release Armenian prisoners: a call from Miriam Lexmann, the European Parliament’s standing rapporteur on Armenia (LIBERTAS)

In an interview*, the Member of the European Parliament, on April 14, 2026, spoke in favor of joint pressure by the EU and Armenian authorities on Azerbaijan, demanding the release of Armenian state hostages:

• Armenian prisoners-hostages

“The terms for the prisoners’ release are not clearly defined, but it is necessary to act as quickly as possible. The EU must use its influence on Azerbaijan. Coordination with the Armenian government is needed to jointly strengthen this pressure with a view to the prisoners’ release.”

• Ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Artsakh

“Their suffering must not be forgotten. In the future, conditions must be guaranteed so that those who wish to do so can return home in safety and dignity, without being subjected to unacceptable conditions. The EU must play a role in engaging with the Azerbaijani side to find solutions in accordance with international law.”

• Destruction of cultural and religious heritage

“The heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh is part of our shared Christian and European heritage and must be protected from any damage. The European Union should intensify its efforts to ensure the preservation of this heritage.”

LIBERTAS joins Ms. LEXMANN in calling on the European Commission to take action. LIBERTAS finds it regrettable that, to date, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has remained unacceptably silent on these crimes. It reminds us that amid the general chaos in the world, where international law is trampled upon daily, the EU must distinguish itself from dictatorial regimes by reestablishing its founding principles in its relations with Azerbaijan, a member of the Eastern Partnership.

Time does not erase crimes, and Europe must act.

LIBERTAS is working for the release of Armenian state hostages and the rehabilitation of released prisoners

*https://armenpress.am/en/article/1247223

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