Ellen Samyn: We will continue to ask the Belgian government for the recognition of the Republic of Artsakh

Interview with Belgian MP Ellen Samyn

1․ In the early morning of September 27, Azerbaijan launched offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh Republic). The civilian population is being bombed, while international organizations are mainly silent or equate the two sides. What do you think is the reason for such actions?

The international community should indeed take action by taking economical sanctions against Azerbaijan and Turkey. What concerns Turkey, at the level of the European Union, one should put a final end to the admission negotiations with Turkey to the EU and dare to raise the issue of Turkey’s membership within NATO at an international level. More and more it is difficult to speak of Turkey as a loyal ally within the NATO.

2․ As a result of the military actions of the Azerbaijani side, journalists were injured, despite the fact they had special “Press” badges and it was evident that journalistic work was being carried out. Do you think that the journalists are deliberately targeted so that others refrain from visiting Artsakh and revealing the truth?

It is known that independent journalists and bloggers – who stand in opposition or fight (figuratively) the system –  are jailed on absurd grounds, so yes I do think that Azerbaijan deliberately targets journalists.

3․ There exists a “black list” in Azerbaijan, which includes people who have visited Artsakh. What do you think about the existence of that list?

It is shocking and goes against human rights.

4․ The Azerbaijani side has blocked opposition websites and access to social networks. Should such restrictions on freedom of speech finally be harshly assessed by European institutions?

Vlaams Belang deplores the fact that the Artsakh region has been the target of military actions for years and is concerned about the disproportionate escalation of the conflict in recent weeks. That being said, it is not surprising that free media and freedom of speech is being restricted in Azerbaijan, a country that has no democratic tradition to say the least.

Baku tries to streamline an Azeri narrative in which Armenia is portrayed as an ‘intruder’ and the party that is guilty of any military offensive. The narrative is part of a traditional but non-credible propaganda war.

I do think that the European institution/Union should take action․

5․ As it has already been proven, Turkey is also involved in this conflict. Doesn’t Turkey’s aggressive behavior worry Europe?

We see that Turkey, once again, is breaking all the rules of international law. Indeed, it clearly displays neo-Ottoman ambitions, and Erdogan’s aggressiveness is increasingly translated into military action.

In recent months, Turkey has been intervening in the Syrian-Kurdish territories, in particular by delivering massive arms and sending military advisers and jihadists. The latter do not differ much from Daesh thugs who have already distinguished themselves through looting, rape and executions.

Unfortunately, it is now the Armenians’ turn. This conflict has of course a geopolitical dimension but also a civilizational dimension: the Christian identity of Armenia is clearly aimed.

Erdogan’s interventions are likely to set the whole region on fire and generate new waves of refugees who will be subjected to further blackmail against Europe.

6․ Belgium has recognized the Armenian Genocide. What do you thing, is Belgium going to recognize the independence of the Artsakh Republic?

Last week I submitted an oral question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs about the recognition of the independence of the Artsakh Republic. This will be discussed in the committee one of the upcoming weeks. I asked the minister the following question: A very important internation signal would be the official recognition of the Republic of Artsakh. Will the Belgian government play a pioneering role in this and place this recognition on the international agenda?

I can speak for my party Vlaams Belang:  this should certainly be placed on the international agenda and we will continue to ask the Belgian government for the recognition.