Baku: The European Azerbaijan Center (Europ¤isches Aserbaidschan Zentrum) has issued a statement condemning the European Parliament's resolution from April 30, 2026, labeling it as a political provocation against Azerbaijan's sovereignty and the ongoing peace process in the South Caucasus.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Center asserts that the resolution contains unfounded and one-sided provisions that contradict international law and Azerbaijan's sovereign rights. The statement highlights that the resolution's use of the term 'Nagorno-Karabakh' is particularly unacceptable, as this administrative unit was abolished by Azerbaijan in 1991. The Center argues that referencing this term in the resolution distorts Azerbaijan's legal realities and supports separatist narratives, undermining the peace process.

The Center further criticizes the resolution's stance on the 'right of return' for Karabakh Armenians, viewing it as interference in Azerbaijan's internal affairs. It underscores that issues related to the Karabakh region should be addressed within Azerbaijan's sovereign jurisdiction. Additionally, the statement points out a perceived double standard, noting the resolution's lack of attention to the rights of Azerbaijanis displaced by Armenian occupation.

Moreover, the Center challenges the resolution's allegations concerning the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in Azerbaijan, emphasizing the European Parliament's previous indifference to the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural sites during the occupation. The statement also rebuffs claims of unjust detention of Armenian prisoners, asserting Azerbaijan's right to prosecute individuals accused of serious crimes on its territory.

The resolution's portrayal of the European Union Mission in Armenia as a stabilizing factor is also criticized for its one-sided approach. The Center argues that regional stability must respect the sovereignty and security of all states involved, questioning the EU's neutrality in the process.

Additionally, the statement condemns the resolution's treatment of connectivity between Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic as a subject of political pressure, urging for it to be regarded as part of the peace agenda.

In conclusion, the European Azerbaijan Center calls on the European Parliament to revise its biased stance, respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and remove terms such as 'Nagorno-Karabakh' from its documents. The Center emphasizes that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan are non-negotiable and urges the European public to base their understanding of the South Caucasus on law and objective facts, rather than biased resolutions.