EMEP: Third countries must stop interfering and a ceasefire must be declared between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Labour Party of Turkey (EMEP) head office has made a statement regarding the current conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The statement called for an end to the conflict between both countries and for an immediate declaration of ceasefire. The statement reads “There is an urgent need for a ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Imperialist powers must withdraw from the region and the third countries in the region should not interfere or fuel the current tensions”.

“THE INTERVENTIONS ARE A THREAT TO THE PEACE IN THE REGION”

The tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been growing since the 1990s. These tensions have now led to open fire which caused deaths and casualties on both sides.  The statement further reads “The existing ceasefire has been made untenable due to the interventions of the imperialist states and the third countries which have been deploying arms, military experts and illegal fighters in this region which draws attention with its rich oil and gas reserves and important pipelines has been drawing the attention of the imperialists for many years. Today, both countries claim that the other is responsible for breaking the ceasefire that has been in place over the past years. They are also accusing each other of receiving the backing of the terrorist groupings and the countries which support them. These claims are important in showing that this conflict has many different sides aside from the main two states. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia risk endangering the peace in the region with their determination to continue with this conflict which is in no way in the interest of the peoples of both countries”.

“THE AKP IS SHOWING A STRONG DESIRE TO ENGAGE IN THE CONFLICT”

The statement goes on to say that the ruling AKP government shows a strong desire to engage in the conflict.

“The temperament displayed by the ruling party is one which is encouraging the conflict. The ruling party is increasing tensions by its increasing involvement in the talks, the threatening language it adopts, mobilising and behaving like it is one of the main sides of the conflict. The government's foreign policy has suffered badly with its involvement in the conflicts in Syria, Libya, the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea and its involvement in these conflicts did nothing more than raising the tensions which poses a risk to the future of the peoples of the Middle East. It is now showing a desire to become involved in the current conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.”

“WARS BRING DEATHS, POVERTY AND OPPRESSION FOR THE PEOPLES”

The statement also said that wars should be taken seriously and no policies should be based on creating/escalating tensions. “Wars bring nothing but deaths, poverty and oppression for the peoples. The war in the Middle East has had and continue to have serious consequences for the masses. The resources of the already struggling economy should be used to meet the needs of the peoples rather than wars and conflicts.”

“THE IMPERIALISTS MUST WITHDRAW FROM THE REGION"

“An immediate ceasefire must be declared between Azerbaijan and Armenia; imperialists must withdraw from the region; third parties in the region must avoid interfering in the issue and fuelling the tensions any further.” The statement also drew attention to the fact that the peace between both countries carries serious implications for the future of the peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East which have both been the scenes of wars for redivision.