And Charles Michel, President of the European Council, made a very tough statement on this matter. In his opinion, “Russia’s attempt to organize fake elections in the illegally occupied areas of Ukraine cannot replace the reality of the brutality of the war. The EU strongly condemns the illegitimate elections that are a blatant violation of the international law.”
This is right. This is fair. But … let’s now recall the EU statement on Karabakh. Where there was no “strong condemnation” and “violation of international law”. Yes, European officials forced it out that they do not recognize the constitutional and legal framework of these “elections”, but immediately noted: “At the same time, the EU believes that it is important for the Karabakh Armenians to consolidate around de facto leadership that is able and willing to engage in result-oriented discussions with Baku. The EU is committed to supporting this process.” The West does not allow itself to say anything of the kind with regard to the “authorities” established by Russia in the occupied territories of Ukraine! Which is absolutely the right thing to do!
But why do they think this is acceptable with regard to Azerbaijan?!
Such statements could be justified if the “elections” had been held illegitimately, but with the de facto leadership of the separatists engaged in a real dialogue with the Azerbaijani authorities. However, this is not the case at all. Then why even bother with double standards for the sake of double standards?
Moreover, Washington did not deem it necessary to react to the “electoral farce” in Khankendi at all. Yet, they did find the time for Blinken’s statement about the simultaneous opening of the Aghdam and Lachin roads. ” Without noticing” that the roads are blocked by separatists.
Therefore, we are compelled to reiterate once again: the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a state is not an area where “double standards” are acceptable. The reaction it gets from the illegitimate “authorities” in occupied Donetsk and Luhansk is “oh well, they will make some noise, but then they will shut up and roll over, just as they are rolling over for the Armenians today.” And their Moscow PR people get another reason to scream about “Russophobia” and question whether the West is really that much of an advocate of international law and against the redrawing of borders by force, or whether it is simply playing against the Kremlin.
And the West will have itself to thank for these “arguments”.
