The Federation of Armenian Organizations in the Netherlands thanked Dutch MPs Nico Drost and Pieter Omtzigt for presenting the Nagorno-Karabakh situation in the Dutch Parliament during the discussions of the European Summit on June 29-30.
Prime Minister Rutte, referring to the many calls for Azerbaijan to follow the decisions of the International Court of Justice and ensure the free movement of citizens through the Lachin Corridor, considered this an important point. He emphasized the importance of President Charles Michel’s involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict’s settlement process. He will discuss this issue with both sides in July. Mr. Rutte expressed his support for the EU’s efforts to maintain dialogue and contact with the two parties involved. According to him, the Netherlands also uses all opportunities to do this. According to Mr. Rutten, the first step is to lift the blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
MP Pieter Omtzigt noted that, instead of opening the corridor, Azerbaijan has now placed a checkpoint and concrete blocks there, deliberately trying to ensure that Nagorno-Karabakh is wholly cut off from the world and that everyone witnesses the collapse of Nagorno-Karabakh. Pieter Omtzigt raised the question of the steps of the international community, including the EU, to implement the UN International Court of Justice decision and end this illegal blockade.
Prime Minister Rutte again emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting with President Michel, involving both sides, as an essential means of dialogue and possible progress. Prime Minister Rutte refrained from indicating further options, stressing the importance of allowing President Michel to manage the discussions effectively. According to him, however, there is no guarantee that it will work. He agrees that the situation is dire and has far-reaching consequences for the quality of life in Nagorno-Karabakh and the future of that part of the region.
Summing up, Pieter Omtzigt said Azerbaijan would drag out the situation until it met its wants.
The measures to be taken and their dates were discussed earlier.
