Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan, speaking at the Defending Democracy summit of parliamentary leaders in Strasbourg, emphasized the importance of democratic values, addressed the condition of Armenian detainees in Baku, and raised concerns over Azerbaijan's disinformation campaigns.
Simonyan stated that Armenian military prisoners and civilians held in Azerbaijan are subjected to prolonged detention, inhumane treatment, and fabricated trials. He stressed that their immediate release must be a top priority.
"In addition, I am concerned by Azerbaijan's recent false claims about alleged military actions by Armenia, which escalate tensions at the border. In this context, we underline the importance of confidence-building measures such as the EU civilian mission and arms control mechanisms. Most issues requiring resolution are either already included in the agreement or are being addressed through the working group provided by it," he said.
Simonyan noted that Armenia is ready to coordinate with Azerbaijan the time and place for signing the peace treaty, expressing hope that Baku shares the desire to enter a new era.
"I speak not only as a representative of the Republic of Armenia but as someone who deeply believes in the power of democracy. The madness of our times must be seen clearly—the storm is not approaching; it is already here. Chaos hides in the fog of double standards. Fact becomes falsehood, ally turns into enemy, victim is painted as aggressor, truth into illusion, and the innocent into the guilty.
So much of value has turned to ashes. The pillars of liberalism are cracking, and the sacred flame of freedom is dimming. Democracy is under threat. This nightmare is not one we can awaken from with a miracle. Europe, as the cradle of enlightenment, must rise again to defend liberty. Determined action must resist the obsession with destruction. Only through united and unwavering efforts can democracy’s fragile flower bloom.
Armenia, in turn, remains committed to the path of democratization. The Velvet Revolution of 2018 was a pivotal moment in our history, steering the country toward transparent elections, independent institutions, and a corruption-free government. Our goal is clear: to build an open and accountable system where every citizen feels empowered and safe.
To reach this goal, we have launched ambitious reforms with the support of the Council of Europe. The Council’s action plan for Armenia is a vital tool to strengthen public trust in our institutions and align them with European standards. Judicial independence, media freedom, and anti-corruption efforts remain at the core of our agenda.
In this context, we place special importance on the Council of Europe's high assessments of Armenia’s progress in establishing a stable democracy," Simonyan said.
Since March 16, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense has issued several false reports daily about alleged Armenian gunfire. Armenia’s Defense Ministry has consistently denied these claims, and the EU observer mission has also refuted Baku’s disinformation.
