Belgium, Netherlands pass resolutions on Armenian hostages and Artsakh return; Baku responds with diplomatic protest

(Horizon Media / BRUSSELS) – The parliaments of Belgium and the Netherlands have each adopted resolutions urging the release of Armenians held in Azerbaijan and calling for conditions to ensure the safe return of displaced Armenians of Artsakh to their homeland.

The legislative moves prompted a sharp reaction from Baku, with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry summoning the ambassadors of both countries to formally protest what it described as “interference” in its internal affairs and an attempt to undermine its sovereignty.

In Brussels, the Belgian Chamber of Representatives unanimously approved a resolution emphasizing that any return of Artsakh Armenians must be backed by credible international security guarantees, noting that safe repatriation cannot occur without an effective international mechanism. The resolution also called for the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from Armenia’s sovereign territory, specifically to positions held prior to May 12, 2021.

The Belgian measure further addressed the ongoing detention of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives in Baku, including members of Artsakh’s former political leadership, framing the issue as a pressing humanitarian concern.

In a statement, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy welcomed the vote, describing it as an important step in deepening ties between Belgium and Armenia while signalling support for Armenia’s European trajectory. The organization’s president, Kaspar Karampetian, stressed that strengthening bilateral relations must go hand in hand with concrete efforts to uphold the fundamental rights of Armenians, calling on Belgian authorities to translate the resolution into tangible diplomatic action.

Following the parliamentary decisions, Belgian Ambassador Julien de Fraipont and Dutch Ambassador Marianne de Jong were separately summoned to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry.

According to an official statement from Baku, the resolutions adopted on April 16 were condemned as “irresponsible” measures that, in its view, jeopardize the ongoing normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijani officials also rejected the documents, characterizing them as based on inaccurate assessments and alleging institutional bias against Azerbaijan.

The Foreign Ministry further dismissed references to violations of Armenia’s territorial integrity and allegations regarding the detention of Armenians, categorically denying such claims and reiterating its position that the accusations are unfounded.