BRUXELLES — On July 17, the Belgian Chamber of Representatives adopted a resolution during its plenary session condemning Azerbaijan’s military aggression against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and violations of international law . The resolution passed unanimously. According to an Armenpress  correspondent in Brussels, the resolution states that Azerbaijan’s actions against Nagorno-Karabakh and its Armenian population contradict the fundamental norms of international law. The Belgian legislature emphasized that sustainable and long-term peace in the region is only possible through mutual respect for the territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The resolution clearly condemns the threats and rhetoric from Azerbaijani authorities within the context of the “Western Azerbaijan” narrative. It also addresses the illegal detention of former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh by Baku and the unclear legal proceedings they are subjected to. Strongly condemning Azerbaijan’s actions, the resolution calls for the immediate release of all Armenian detainees and demands fair trial guarantees . The Chamber of Representatives urges Azerbaijan to ensure the protection of Nagorno-Karabakh’s cultural and religious heritage and calls for UNESCO to be granted access to the region to assess damages. The resolution welcomes the peace treaty initiative and highlights the urgency of signing it, calling on all parties to respect its terms. The Belgian Chamber also urges the Belgian government to support international investigations into war crimes, expand its consular presence in Armenia, and deepen both humanitarian and military cooperation with the Armenian government. Furthermore, the resolution calls on the European Union to impose targeted sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations , expand the EU monitoring mission in Armenia, and reconsider EU-Azerbaijan relations if Baku fails to demonstrate genuine commitment to achieving peace . In an interview with Armenpress  in Brussels, Michel De Maegd, co-author of the resolution and member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, emphasized its importance: “On one side, there is Azerbaijan, which continually introduces new preconditions for peace, and on the other, there is Armenia, which is open to dialogue and asks only one thing — that its sovereignty be respected.” “We must stand on the side of law and justice. Belgium must continue to support Armenia and deepen its cooperation with the country. The vote on this resolution is an important step in that process — another testament to the friendship between our two nations,” De Maegd said.

Extracts: "Attention is drawn to the ongoing trials in Azerbaijan of the former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, during which international observers and foreign press are prohibited from entering.  The Belgian House of Representatives resolution demands the release of all Armenian hostages arrested after September 19, 2023, including former local officials, and the protection of their fundamental rights, including through public trials and medical supervision.   The resolution refers to the draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan negotiated in March 2025, calling on the parties to sign it as soon as possible without preconditions.   Belgian parliamentarians also condemn the closure of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN offices in Azerbaijan . The resolution also states that the possibilities of introducing consular services at the Belgian Embassy in Yerevan are being considered .  A call is made to allow a UNESCO mission to enter Nagorno-Karabakh to assess and preserve the state of Armenian cultural, historical, and religious heritage. It is emphasized that Azerbaijan continues to occupy more than 220 square kilometers of the territory of the Republic of Armenia. The resolution supports the application of targeted sanctions against individuals and entities that have violated the ceasefire of November 9, 2020, violated human rights and humanitarian law, or threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia.  The resolution will also be discussed and voted on in the plenary session of the Belgian House of Representatives"

As part of the LIBERTAS campaign, Arnouville has adopted a resolution condemning the unjust expulsion of the ICRC from Azerbaijan and calling on France, the Council of Europe, the EU, and the UN to take action to secure direct access to prisoners in Azerbaijan and the release of Armenian hostages and the many political prisoners in that country.

Philippe Schreck, Member of Parliament for the Var department, questions the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs  in response to the appeal launched by the Amicale des Arméniens de Draguignan  (VAR) and its region as part of the LIBERTAS  campaign. Jean-Noël Barrot has two months to respond to written question no. 8121, “France's inaction regarding Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan.”