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Ghost of 1988: What is the European Parliament up to in the new anti-Azerbaijani resolution?
Prelude to the Conflict
The roots of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be traced back to the late 1980s, when the Soviet Union was on the brink of collapse. Armenians and Azerbaijanis, who had been living together in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of the Azerbaijan SSR, began to clash over the region's status. Armenians demanded that it be transferred to Armenia, while Azerbaijanis insisted that it remain part of their republic.
Eruption of Violence
In 1988, the conflict escalated into a full-blown war, which lasted for six years and claimed the lives of thousands of people. The war ended in a ceasefire in 1994, but the region remains a frozen conflict zone. Nagorno-Karabakh is now controlled by ethnic Armenians, who have declared independence from Azerbaijan, but their independence is not recognized by any other country in the world.
Azerbaijan's Perspective
Azerbaijan considers Nagorno-Karabakh to be an integral part of its territory and has repeatedly demanded that Armenia withdraw its forces from the region. Azerbaijan has also accused Armenia of ethnic cleansing and war crimes during the conflict.
Armenia's Perspective
Armenia maintains that Nagorno-Karabakh is a self-governing territory and that its people have the right to self-determination. Armenia also accuses Azerbaijan of human rights violations against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The European Parliament's Resolution
In September 2023, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The resolution called for an end to the conflict and urged both Armenia and Azerbaijan to respect the ceasefire. The resolution also called for the immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from Nagorno-Karabakh.
Potential Impact of the Resolution
The European Parliament's resolution is likely to have a significant impact on the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The resolution puts pressure on Armenia to withdraw its forces from the region and could lead to renewed fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The resolution also sends a message to the international community that the European Union is concerned about the conflict and is willing to take action to resolve it.
Conclusion
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a complex and long-standing issue. There is no easy solution to the conflict, and it is likely to continue to be a source of tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan for many years to come. The European Parliament's resolution is a welcome step towards resolving the conflict, but it is only a first step. Much more needs to be done to bring about a lasting peace in Nagorno-Karabakh.