Sarineh Abrahamian, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and vice president of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY), actively participated in the Young European Socialists’ (YES) Congress held in Barcelona, Spain from October 20-23, 2023. This gathering represents the pinnacle of the organization’s activities involving the submission of comprehensive progress reports, the adoption of resolutions that shape the organization’s policies and the election of new leadership.
During the meeting, spurred by the initiative of the Young Socialists of France and with the support of the Social Democratic Youth Organization of Germany, a pivotal resolution was proposed. The resolution fervently condemns the ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). It calls upon international courts to conduct thorough investigations into all those accountable for war crimes and advocates for their stringent prosecution. Additionally, it impels the leadership of the European Union to reevaluate its relations with the Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev.
Furthermore, the resolution calls for expedited and more efficient humanitarian aid for refugees from Artsakh, while also urging the European Union and its member states to support Armenia in safeguarding its borders, which face threats from Azerbaijan. The Young Socialists of Europe express their deep concern for the imperiled historical and cultural heritage of Artsakh. They staunchly defend the inalienable right of the people of Artsakh to return to their homeland and lead dignified, secure lives there.
The full text of the resolution is available here, and you can watch Abrahamian delivering her remarks here.
This resolution garnered unanimous approval, with European delegations demonstrating strong support.
During the plenary session, Abrahamian underscored the significance of the resolution, extending gratitude to her French and German colleagues for their unwavering dedication. Abrahamian also addressed the notable oversights of the leadership of the European Union, Russia and the United States regarding the Artsakh crisis. She urged concrete steps towards its resolution, specifically emphasizing the right of Artsakh Armenians to return to their ancestral lands and the recognition of Artsakh’s right to self-determination.
Additionally, the ARF representative emphasized that Armenians must not solely place blame on the international community but rather endeavor to establish robust leadership. Abrahamian pointed out that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been suppressing dissenting voices and curbing opposition, while the European Union legitimizes his manipulative autocracy and undemocratic actions.
