MEP Miriam Lexmann: EU Is Making a “Big Mistake” by Overlooking Human Rights Violations in Azerbaijan
The European Union is making a “big mistake” by failing to exert sufficient pressure on Azerbaijan over human rights violations, including the continued detention of Armenian prisoners, according to Miriam Lexmann, the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Armenia and a member of the European People’s Party (EPP).
In an interview with Factor TV, Lexmann criticized the EU’s approach toward Azerbaijan, arguing that economic interests have taken precedence over human rights concerns.
“I think the European Union is making a big mistake here. We are unable to take a sufficiently clear position toward the Azerbaijani government and the Aliyev regime and exert pressure on them,” she said.
Lexmann emphasized that Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenian political prisoners from Nagorno-Karabakh and accused Baku of obstructing the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey.
The MEP recalled raising the issue of Armenian prisoners during the European Parliament’s plenary session on October 7, when lawmakers discussed human rights violations in Azerbaijan and convictions resulting from what she described as fabricated judicial proceedings.
“We are trying to protect people who are persecuted in Azerbaijan for their beliefs, political views, and other reasons. I also raised the issue of Armenian prisoners,” Lexmann stated.
She said she had urged the European Commission to place human rights at the center of EU–Azerbaijan relations.
“Unfortunately, because of economic interests, we are turning a blind eye to human rights violations in Azerbaijan,” she said.
According to Lexmann, the European Union has sufficient influence to change this approach and translate its declared values into concrete action.
She also expressed disappointment that European Commission representatives visiting Azerbaijan have failed to clearly communicate that respect for democracy and human rights should be a prerequisite for deeper economic cooperation.
Lexmann argued that EU officials should make clear that economic cooperation with Azerbaijan can only be deepened once the country respects democratic principles and human rights.
Elsewhere in the interview, she reiterated the need to explore ways of exerting pressure on Azerbaijan to secure the release of political prisoners, while acknowledging the difficulties surrounding efforts to improve relations.
Despite those challenges, she stressed that such efforts must not be abandoned.
Source: Factor TV, interview with Miriam Lexmann.
