More than 470 European public organizations and associations sent a letter to the leadership of the European Union and the European Council, calling for immediate and effective steps to be taken in ending of the illegal blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. The letter is addressed to the heads of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as the EU member states, "Europeans for Artsakh" initiative reports.

The authors of the letter point to the unbearable living conditions of 120,000 Artsakh Armenians caused by Azerbaijan's deliberate blockade of the only road connecting Artsakh with the Republic of Armenia - a situation that has been going on for over 7 months.

“In the name of respect for human rights, the values that European democracies claim to stand for, in the name of the sovereign right of peoples to self-determination and as citizens contributing to the prosperity and influence of the European Union who are concerned about its future," the European organizations are asking their leaders to take the following six specific actions:

Once again demand from Azerbaijan to immediately stop violations of the November 9 ceasefire agreement, remove the checkpoint on the Hakari bridge, which was installed in gross violation of the International Court of Justice and international obligations, as well as to unblock the [Berdzor] Lachin corridor and ensure the unhindered and safe movement of people and goods to and from Artsakh.

Apply economic and political sanctions against Azerbaijan and its leadership for war crimes, non-fulfillment of international obligations, the occupation of part of the territory of the Republic of Armenia and the blockade of Artsakh.

Use all levers to prevent any control of Baku over Artsakh, as this will inevitably mean ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh.

Recognize the right to self-determination of the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh as a vital necessity and use all levers to ensure that the status of Artsakh reflects the democratic will of its indigenous [Armenian] population, as well as create conditions for lasting peace and security.

Open an air corridor to provide emergency economic and humanitarian assistance to Artsakh and ensure the safety of air communications through the Stepanakert airport.

As a precondition for peace talks, put pressure on Azerbaijan to withdraw its troops, immediately and without preconditions, from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and stop its aggressive stance towards the Republic of Armenia.

The letter was sent to EU leaders, in particular European Council President Charles Michel, ahead of the trilateral meeting between him, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on July 15, 2023, in Brussels.