The inflammatory language, like "takeover," only fuels division and misrepresents the facts
The recent statement from the Netherlands, referring to Azerbaijan’s liberation of its territories as a “takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh,” is not only factually incorrect but also deeply troubling. Such rhetoric disregards international law, the historical context, and the recent reality of the region.
First, Azerbaijan’s military actions in 2020 were a response to nearly three decades of illegal Armenian occupation of the Karabakh region (the administrative-territorial unit called Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan now is a Karabakh economic zone by the Presidential decree signed on 7 July 2021. In this context, using legally non-existent, politically biased, and manipulative names like “Nagorno-Karabakh” is unacceptable) and surrounding districts, as recognized by numerous UN Security Council resolutions. These resolutions explicitly called for the immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from Azerbaijani land, a mandate that Armenia ignored for decades. By framing Azerbaijan’s liberation of its territories as a “takeover,” the Netherlands distorts the narrative and disregards Azerbaijan’s sovereign rights.
This narrative also undermines the suffering of over a million Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were the victims of the forced expulsion from their homes during the Armenian occupation. These people have endured immense hardship, waiting decades for the opportunity to return to their homeland, a fundamental right under international law. Referring to their liberation as a “takeover” ignores their plight and perpetuates a biased view of the conflict.
Moreover, the Netherlands’ statement disregards the principles of territorial integrity, a core tenet of international law. Azerbaijan did not invade foreign territory; it reclaimed what legally belonged to it. The inflammatory language, like “takeover,” only fuels division and misrepresents the facts.
The international community, including the Netherlands, should acknowledge that peace in the region will only be possible by supporting Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and respecting international law. This language and rhetoric risks emboldening separatism and prolonging instability in the area. Instead of perpetuating a false narrative, the Netherlands should advocate for reconciliation, respect sovereignty, help with demining, and stand for the safe return of the displaced persons to their homes.
