What Andrey spoke about.

Mr President, colleagues, Commissioner, in recent years, the European Union has put forward many initiatives and instruments to motivate the European integration of the countries of the Western Balkans. The Reform and Growth Facility is another such example. Those in power in these countries need to be bolder in reforming and overcoming the obstacles of the past. The six billion euros from this instrument are expected to further stimulate reforms, and if I can use the Macedonian dialect, to plunder the political elite of the Western Balkans as quickly as possible to work for the interests of their citizens. However, I will focus on the situation of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia and in Serbia, which is unfortunately extremely worrying. In the Republic of North Macedonia, you cannot find a job if you openly declare your Bulgarian identity. That's the reality. If they find out about her, they find a reason to fire you, harass your family, and you're subject to insults and ridicule. This is intolerable and there can be no EU membership as long as this discrimination continues. The harassment of Bulgarians is also enshrined in the latest report of the United States State Department on human rights in North Macedonia, which was published yesterday. The anti-Bulgarian campaign in the public space continues, which I hope will also stop as soon as possible. In Serbia, unfortunately, we also see systematic and increasing suppression of rights and hate speech against the Bulgarian minority in the media, in scientific and historical circles, as well as in statements by politicians who have created the image of Bulgaria as something negative. The teaching of the Bulgarian language in any way is restricted, the preservation of the Bulgarian cultural heritage is hindered. Serbia and the Republic of North Macedonia should be judged not only by their words, but also by the actions, not only by the absorption of European funds, which they like, but also by the observance of European values.

Madam President, I think it is very disrespectful if you don’t take your headset and hear what colleagues are saying. You removed your headset when Mr Yordanov talked. I don’t understand why you don’t want to hear what colleagues are telling you.

Madam President, colleagues, Mr Borrell, there is a Bulgarian saying: "He who breaks, he will buy". It is logical that those who, with bombs, tanks, drones, weapons, destroy civilian infrastructure, hospitals, schools, housing, cultural institutions and countless other buildings, should also bear the financial responsibility for repairing the damage they have caused. The law makes it abundantly clear that whoever inflicts damage on someone else’s property is responsible for reimbursing that damage. There is no more logical than to use Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Unfortunately, human life cannot return and the enormous suffering caused by Putin cannot be repaid, but at least the infrastructure can be restored. The Kremlin started this war. Not Ukraine, not the European Union, not NATO. Therefore, Russia bears full responsibility, including financial responsibility, for the restoration of the damage caused. Slow down, Mr. Borrell. The moment is critical and must be acted quickly, categorically and courageously. All assets of the Russian Federation that are located in the democratic world, be it of the central or local government, must be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Mr Borrell, you say you need a sustainable legal base. There are more than two years now of this terrible war. Please find a way – I know it’s difficult – but find a way to support and mobilise also Russian assets for Ukraine.

Mr President, dear colleagues, the left part of this Chamber – Socialists, Greens, Communists – are using every opportunity they get to attack EPP governments about perceived breaches of rule of law and misuse of power and positions. However, Portugal and Malta, which are governed by socialists, as well as these recent revelations about the Spanish Government, are the latest example of blatant corruption and disregard of rule of law coming from within your ranks, colleagues on the left. Corruption allegations within a socialist Spanish party and a proposed amnesty law are two very alarming developments. We are confronted with the misuse of millions of euros paid on ill-gotten commissions during the pandemic. Some of this might have even come from European funds. There are allegations of conflict of interest all the way up to the Spanish Prime Minister, the dismissal of officials cooperating with the judiciary, and the questionable bailout of an airline, as well as a secret meeting and exchange of 40 suitcases between a former Spanish minister and the Venezuelan Maduro Vice-President Rodríguez, who is subject of EU sanctions since 2018. These all are unacceptable acts of misuse of power and must be investigated. I call on the EU to investigate these grave allegations. The integrity of our EU institutions demands this.

Madam President, colleagues, enlargement of the European Union is a major motivational tool for reforms in candidate countries. On the one hand, we must not disappoint the citizens of these countries and leave Russia the opportunity to change public attitudes in candidate countries. On the other hand, the political elite, both ruling and opposition to these countries, have a huge responsibility to continue the bold reforms to break in the former Yugoslavia with the legacy of communism and the negative consequences of this difficult period on education and tolerance towards all citizens, regardless of their ethnic origin, and in the case of North Macedonia, towards the largest historical ethnic community of the geographical region of Macedonia, the Macedonian Bulgarians. Both the European Union and the candidate countries must make a huge effort to be able to say ‘welcome’ by the end of the next term of the European Parliament to the next candidate country. However, I do not think that switching to a qualified majority in terms of enlargement policy is right. This is the European Union's most internal policy. Who will you accept into your family, you can not help but ask the other participants in the family who will be part of your family.

Mr President, Alexei Navalny knew that on his return to Russia he would be killed by the regime, and in a very painful way, but he nevertheless went to his homeland. Navalny will forever remain a symbol for the other Russia – Russia of democracy, goodness, culture, literature, music, the great achievements of science. Navalny began to live his eternal life and will remain this symbol of a democratic Russia. Unfortunately, it does not exist at the moment. The regime in Moscow is no longer hiding under some democratic robes, but has become a dictatorship. Putin understands only a policy of force and clear borders, and that is why the European Union, as well as our partners Britain and the United States, must continue with effective support for Ukraine's defence and immediate delivery of everything necessary for that defence. I appeal again for the release of all political prisoners in Russia and Belarus. I call on the Council and the Commission to immediately take sanctions measures for all those responsible for the murder of Alexei Navalny, and for those 6 000 people who are on the list of the Alexei Navalny Foundation to be also on the EU list. God forgive Alexei Navalny. His symbol of democracy will live on forever.

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, we have always strongly supported the Armenian reforms towards establishing a stable, well-functioning democracy, while also advocating for peace in the region and the end of the hostilities with Azerbaijan. From one side, it is important to note the cynical behaviour of Russia. Armenia relied on its commitment and was heavily deceived. This logically led to the brave step of Prime Minister Pashinyan to suspend Armenia’s membership of the Moscow-controlled Collective Security Treaty Organisation. Russia has never been a true friend and ally of Armenia, and has always followed its own imperialistic agenda in the region and in the world. On the other side, the EU has a strong interest in a politically stable and economically prosperous Southern Caucasus. In this regard, deepening EU-Armenia relations is vital. The EU is the largest developing cooperation donor in Armenia and its second trading partner. EU-Armenia relations have never been stronger, and a comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement has been used by Armenia as a blueprint for a domestic reform agenda. At the same time, Armenia’s relations with Azerbaijan remain a major obstacle for Armenia’s socio-economic development and stability in the region. I support the efforts of Prime Minister Pashinyan to continue bilateral and multilateral discussions with Azerbaijan in order to reach a peaceful agreement between the two neighbours, which must uphold the three principles established in the Helsinki Final Act: non-use of force; territorial integrity; and equal rights of self-determination of peoples. What we are currently doing for, and together with, Armenia is only the start. We need to deepen our work in the field of economy, finance, social affairs, security and defence. Armenia is not alone. We should also lift the visa for Armenian citizens as soon as possible. EU is with Armenia and with the brave people of Armenia. (The speaker concluded in a non-EU language)

Madam President, freedom of speech and expression is also linked to the responsibility not to allow hate speech, calls for violence and disinformation into the public domain in support of criminal ideologies such as National Socialism and Communism. I know that it may come as a surprise to some colleagues to hear that freedom of speech does not include the freedom to lie and spread hatred and disinformation in favour of dictators or of communism, Nazism and their nostalgia. Democracy needs an effective, strong immune system against this, and the European Digital Services Act is one part of this system. Once again, in this Chamber, we are raising the issue of the responsibility of platforms in the fight against hate speech and disinformation. And unfortunately, once again, we have to note that these companies have not taken the necessary measures to limit the spread of propaganda, hatred and lies. Putin’s war against Ukraine and Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel are accompanied by disinformation and propaganda strategies in support of the Kremlin, terrorism, antisemitism and discrimination in general. In the region of the Western Balkans, and Bulgaria included, there is a constant dissemination of content that causes nostalgia for the criminal communist regimes, the Soviet Union and the current regime in Moscow. Despite citizens’ efforts to flag and report this type of content, platforms often hide behind their codes of conduct or community standards, in other words, their own criteria. As a result of this content, many groups and profiles that clearly support regimes and actions that the European Union defines as criminal continue to be, to exist and to spread widely. I invite the Commission and the platforms to comply with the new legislation and to work towards freeing the online space from propaganda, disinformation and hate speech.

Madam President, it is crystal clear that the aim of the Russian political establishment is to divide and weaken the European Union, to make the European Union ineffective, imbued with conflicts and disagreements. Examples of topics on which Russia is working and seeking disunity by spreading disinformation are many - economy, migration, energy, social and family topics, history, regional conflicts such as Catalonia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo, Brexit and many, many others. The lack of effective decommunization of the educational system and the social environment in Eastern Europe makes it much easier for Russia to influence these countries. Democracy needs an effective immune system to protect itself from these malign influences. Commissioner, I think that only with the joint efforts of national governments and the European institutions can we protect ourselves and we will be successful in protecting ourselves from Russian malign influence.

on behalf of the ALDE Group. - Madam President, I support Serbia's European integration and believe that it is non-alternative. The idea of the European Union is to overcome the hostility imposed on us by the ideologies of the past. Serbia has a serious influence on most Western Balkan countries, which increases its responsibility. In addition to close cooperation with Russia, domestically we observe not only the problems during the electoral process, which colleagues mentioned, but also the systematic violation of the rights of ethnic communities. I'll introduce you to just one of the recent cases. On November 8, the Day of the Western Outskirts, important for the Bulgarian community in Serbia, a group of civilian policemen invaded the Bulgarian Cultural Center in Bosilegrad. They brought charges of ethnic and religious hatred against the director Ivan Nikolov and seized all the books of the poet Edvin Sugarev "Elegy for the Kraishteto". Ivan Nikolov is threatened with 10 years in prison. At the same time, Edvin Sugarev was prevented from studying in Serbia. I myself am the author of the foreword to this book and it in no way incites ethnic or religious hatred. Unfortunately, there is a constant hate speech against the Bulgarian community in the Serbian public space. This is the same practice that we see in North Macedonia with regard to Bulgarians. And it should be clearly said that the center is the same - these are the south-communist elites and their successors, who still occupy key positions in both countries. I wish rapid integration of Serbian citizens and overcoming all these problems of the past. Serbia should be judged only by its deeds and not by well-written laws.

Mr President, the reunification of our continent on the basis of our common European values is the most important condition for our security and prosperity. The transformative power of the European Union must be renewed every day with clear plans and a timeframe for the admission of the new member states. Wherever we leave a grey zone in Europe, Russia will try to fill it. This was felt on their backs by the Ukrainians on the basis of our big mistake that we did not accept them at that time in NATO. Full integration of these countries into our Union is imperative as a geostrategic investment in a stable, strong and united Europe. Of course, integration is a two-way street, and candidate countries must overcome the problems of the past. To achieve historical reconciliation, overcoming hate speech and non-discrimination of all citizens, regardless of how they define themselves. This is a fair and fundamental value of the European Union. I would like to say here that nostalgia for communism, Tito and the momentum of this period are not part of the Copenhagen criteria. And the sooner we understand that this momentum from the past has to be overcome in the countries of the former Yugoslavia, the better. We want to give a clear signal to the citizens of the countries of the region that they are not forgotten and that we are doing everything possible to help them, but full membership depends on the will of their political elites to implement the necessary reforms.

Madam President, Commissioner, Members, Welcome, dear Mr. Denkov, dear Mrs. Gabriel! I am very happy that you are among us today. Bulgaria has a pro-European, democratic, predictable government, of which you are Prime Minister, mainly thanks to the state behavior of the GERB party and its chairman Mr. Borisov, thanks to our desire for Bulgaria to get out of the trap of hatred and chaos of the last three years. Especially today, as you have outlined this extremely worrying situation around the world, it is very important that every country in the European Union has a predictable, pro-European and effective government. Unfortunately, with the serious role of your party, there has been a big delay in European funding for the Bulgarian economy, the suspension of important infrastructure projects, which has led to serious damage and lost profits for businesses and citizens. The unclear geopolitical behavior in your previous coalition with pro-Russian forces, I hope, will not happen again in the Sofia Municipal Council. GERB again came to your aid in the second round and you did not lose the capital. For us, democratic and European Bulgaria is above all, even above party interests. We are and will continue to be the guarantor of this as a major stabilizing political factor in Bulgaria. I also hope that our common efforts for a democratic social environment, culture and education will be successful and that the remnants and propaganda artifacts of the totalitarian dictatorship will find their place in museums and textbooks. I hope that in the past will remain the signing of memoranda with funds close to Russian oligarchs, as well as this strange protection of the derogation for the import of crude Russian oil from the refinery close to the Kremlin, Lukoil, through which Bulgaria fills the Kremlin's military budget. I would like to end with gratitude, especially to Mrs Gabriel, for her efforts to overcome Bulgaria's obstacles to our accession to the Schengen area, as well as in our preparations for the euro area. I would also like to thank Mrs Gabriel for the very good work that we have obtained from our membership of the UN Human Rights Council. This is a very good signal for Bulgaria. Mr. Denkov, Mrs. Gabriel and of course Mrs. Ivanova, very encouraging are the signals from the last few days for understanding of the pro-European democratic forces in Bulgaria. Today's vote in the Bulgarian Parliament is also such a signal. We have a lot of work ahead of us and I am convinced that with joint efforts, Mr Denkov, we will be able to achieve even more success for the European development of Bulgaria, a respected and dignified member of the European Union, a more effective, more united European Union that works for the physical, social and economic security of its citizens.

, – Mr President, social networks have a huge responsibility to citizens all over the world. They are not just tech companies, they are powerful portals for disseminating information, and with this power comes the responsibility to protect consumers from malicious actors who spread disinformation, hatred, glorification of terrorism and violence. Since the beginning of Putin's war against Ukraine, we have seen countless publications containing pro-Kremlin propaganda and Soviet nostalgia in vulnerable countries, especially in the Western Balkans, but also in Bulgaria. Another example is anti-Semitic content, which spreads without restrictions, especially in the days following Hamas' horrific terrorist attack on Israel. We clearly see how such publications are neither promptly removed nor marked as containing false claims and hate speech. They collect hundreds of thousands of reactions and remain available, which is both illegal and immoral. Despite the presence of Meta and TickTock on the lists of companies that follow the European Union Code of Practice on Disinformation, their commitment clearly does not prevent the spread of propaganda. I welcome the calls by the Commission, Meta, TicToc and X (X) to comply with the Digital Services Act, especially with regard to the timely, diligent and objective removal of illegal content. More effort is needed. There should be more serious consequences for users or groups that systematically distribute false or hateful content, such as banning publication or blocking such pages and groups altogether. My observations are that Meta's algorithms increase the visibility of content containing hate, pro-Kremlin, anti-Semitic information, glorification of terrorism, and vice versa, limit the objective point of view. Meta's behavior is unacceptable.

Mr President, a few clear points. I strongly condemn the dreadful terrorist attack that Hamas carried out against Israel. Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism, in accordance with international law, combating terrorism, not targeting the Palestinian civilian population. We must recognise and support this right while striving for a peaceful resolution. The fight against terrorism is also our fight in the EU. While the war against Hamas is taking place, the EU must continue to provide humanitarian aid to the population of Palestine. At the same time, we need to ensure that in no way EU funding directly or indirectly supports the activities of Hamas or other terrorist organisations. We cannot allow resources meant for the essential needs of Palestinians to be diverted for violence purposes. I strongly urge the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. It is inhumane to use innocent lives as bargaining chips, and I fully condemn this practice. Lastly, it is essential to acknowledge and denounce the role of external actors in these actors in this conflict. The involvement of Iran in training and funding Hamas, as well the involvement of pro-Kremlin forces in the physical support of Hamas, and the spread of propaganda and disinformation supporting Hamas further complicate the situation and cannot be accepted anymore.

Mr President, Commissioner, honourable Members, the sanctions against Russia, as well as the fight against Russia's spy networks in the European Union, have different levels of effectiveness in different Member States. We need to ensure that the cash flows going to the Russian budget are kept to a minimum. They are used to continue the war in Ukraine, to destroy both human lives and the infrastructure of this country. Circumvention of sanctions through third countries is a huge problem, as the Commission has also said. The inclusion of many more supporters of the regime and their families, who have assets in the European Union, is also on the agenda. The aggressor, whose bombs have destroyed so many hospitals, schools, kindergartens, homes and civilian infrastructure, must pay for their restoration. I therefore turn once again to both the Commission and the Council. The legal basis for using the frozen assets of the Russian Federation for the reconstruction of Ukraine must be found.

Mr President, Commissioner, Council, colleagues, first of all, all those responsible for the attack by the Serb armed group need to be brought to justice. To achieve this, there needs to be an in-depth investigation. Who was behind the attack, who gave the orders, and where did the weapons and other equipment come from? Putin’s Russia is strongly interested in destabilising the Balkans. Therefore we have to be very careful to prevent further provocation attempts. Secondly, KFOR must be strengthened and preventive measures have to be put in place in order to ensure such a terrorist attack cannot happen again. Finally, most importantly for the stability of the region, peace negotiations are essential to reduce tensions and reach an acceptable solution, with the final goal of full recognition of Kosovo by Serbia. I will repeat again our call to the Serbian leadership to choose a side, either with the EU and the democratic countries, or with Putin’s Russia. Compliance with EU foreign policy, including the sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and standing with Ukraine, is essential. Unfortunately, the Serbian influence is still malicious in neighbouring countries supporting an anti-EU agenda, not only in Kosovo but also in North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. I hope and will be very happy to see a democratic Serbia overcoming the legacy of Yugoslav totalitarian dictatorship and the Milošević doctrine.

Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, dear colleagues, I cannot hide I am very sad. We are witnessing a huge failure of the international community in the last decades. There were three basic principles, apparently agreed by Azerbaijan and Armenia, namely: non-use of force, the right of self-determination and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan violated two of them by using force on multiple occasions and by continued refusal to let the population of Nagorno-Karabakh exercise their right to self-determination. Currently, we are observing ethnic cleansing through the creation of dramatic conditions for the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians. First, the blockade of the Lachin corridor led to lack of basic commodities and services and second, the hateful rhetoric and actions by all levels of the Azerbaijan Government created a poisonous atmosphere of fear and led to a mass exodus of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians. The suffering of those people is the result of bigger geopolitical calculations, where Russia disregarded its obligations under the November 2020 trilateral statement and took the side of Azerbaijan to punish the Armenian Government for their steps in the way of deepening the EU-Armenian relations. The EU must immediately and consistently support humanitarian aid for those suffering, and Azerbaijan has to guarantee the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians’ safe return and a safe life in Nagorno-Karabakh. These conditions need to be met by monitoring of the international community agreed by Azerbaijan and Armenia.

In recent years, we have seen an increase in the spread of far-left and far-right speeches, which find their place in both traditional media and social networks. In many countries, the manipulative portrayal of historical events, facts and personalities remains a breeding ground for anti-democratic ideologies and contributes to the normalisation of hate speech. I will give an example of the content of Palestinian textbooks, which, despite the recommendations of the European Union, continue to indoctrinate children with manipulative and antisemitic claims. Using these techniques to distort and misinterpret historical facts and personalities thwarts all reconciliation plans and creates prerequisites for the continuation of conflicts between neighbors. A similar example can be found in the Balkans, where the Republic of North Macedonia fails to part with communist dogmas and distorted interpretations of events, facts and historical personalities, which again leads to hatred and lack of reconciliation. Social networks are in the hands of private companies, we should not forget who make decisions based on their internal community standards about which statements their algorithms widely disseminate and which limit. There is clearly no difference between the far-left communist disinformation campaign leading to hatred and the far-right Nazi racist one. Unfortunately, this is not a fact in the algorithms of META, for example. Far-left and far-right statements pose a huge threat to democracy, which is obliged to build its immune system in order to defend itself. Both extremes abuse and take advantage of the principles of democracy, the main pillar of which is freedom of speech, to instill fear, division, hatred in their quest to gain attention. It is critical that we reach a democratic consensus so that we do not allow the normalisation of far-left and far-right speeches and that they cannot use democratic principles as a weapon for them to eradicate democracy itself. If we do not provide an effective immune system for democracy today against far-left, far-right and anti-Semitic speech, tomorrow may be too late.

Mr President, the European Union and, of course, NATO must continue with assistance to Ukraine, macro-financial assistance, economic assistance and, of course, military assistance, in order for Ukraine to regain its territorial integrity and sovereignty. That's what we should want. Yes, we want peace, and I address all those who say they want peace. We all want peace, so we must insist on Putin. Those who want peace should ask Putin for this peace, to return all Russian military units, to leave the territory of Ukraine, Ukraine to restore its territorial integrity and, accordingly, to be able to return to the situation that was before the war. Another very important topic for the European Commission. Of course, the aggressor must pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Of course, these frozen assets of the Russian Federation must be able, to find a way, as Canada already does, to be able to be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine. More than 500 billion euros may already be needed, and this money is increasing every day to allow Ukraine to rebuild its Russian-destroyed infrastructure. Ukraine must restore its territorial integrity. This is the end of this war.

Mr President, Bulgarian and Romanian citizens turn to us with just discontent that for more than 10 years nothing has happened and the Council has not taken the decision to admit Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area. There's always some excuse, some hypocritical argument for it. Last week the last hypocrisy used by the Netherlands disappeared, and this is the official termination of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism against Bulgaria and Romania. This delay or reluctance on the part of the Netherlands and Austria to accept the decision must be overcome. Nor can we apologise for any, be it local elections in Austria or now early parliamentary elections in the Netherlands. I call on the Commission, in the person of the President of the Commission as well, to speak to the current caretaker government of the Netherlands. We can no longer wait for any election anywhere. Bulgaria and Romania should be part of the Schengen area this year.

Mr President, Mr Commissioner, colleagues, for several years now, we have been witnessing the dire situation unfolding in Lebanon with a social, economic and political crisis entangled to create an extremely worrying situation which is becoming more difficult day by day. We must address this and advocate for a sustainable path towards political stability, prosperity and progress. I would like to urge all stakeholders in Lebanon to prioritise the national interest. It is time to work towards a unified vision to ensure that Lebanon has a future. The election of a president and putting together a government is a crucial step towards restoring stability, ensuring governance and rebuilding trust in the institutions, especially in the aftermath of the Beirut blast. But Commissioner, we can do even more. We should also think about personal targeted sanctions for those who are blocking the political transition and economic recovery of Lebanon. The international community, including the European Union, has to stand with Lebanon. The people of Lebanon deserve a safe and predictable future.

–Mr President, I would like to move the following oral amendment to Amendment 5 on paragraph 4: ‘Condemns the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor, which is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh; condemns the deadly incident between Azerbaijan and the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh on 5 March 2023, which resulted in multiple deaths and once again jeopardised the process towards establishing peace between the two countries.’

Madam President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, I hear your voice and I share your sadness about the decades—long non—resolution of this conflict causing so much suffering for all people in the region. This is a failure not only of the Minsk Group co-chairs, but of the entire international community. For a long time we left the initiative to Putin, and his only goal is to increase his influence in the region and the dependence of the state of Armenia by Russia. I share the view of all of you that we should support much stronger EU involvement as a facilitator and mediator of the peaceful resolution of this terrible current situation. The key points are: immediate de—blocking of the Lachin corridor, effective guarantees for the Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh; a peace treaty between both sides, with all the elements we counted before. But the most important thing is that the people in the region should have a peaceful future, should invest in their education, in their career, and not in weapons and not in fight and not in hate and not in discrimination. I call again on Azerbaijan to de—block the Lachin corridor and a serious, effective, fruitful peace treaty with Armenia.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Commissioner, tomorrow in the context of the ongoing three—month long blockade of the Lachin corridor, we will vote in the European Parliament on the report on EU—Armenia relations. I have proposed amendments to reflect the cutting of this vital connection with Armenia, which is worsening the humanitarian crisis for the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. I urge Azerbaijan to take all possible measures to ensure unrestricted movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions. This is the decision also taken by the International Court of Justice on 22 February this year. In addition to this first comment, the report we are going to vote on tomorrow transmits a number of important messages. We reiterate the principles of the United Nations Charter and the OSCE Helsinki Final Act, namely the non—use of force, the territorial integrity and the equal rights of self—determination of people. Only the full respect of all these principles can lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I am very sad to see that the Minsk Group failure to lead for a reliable solution. We stick for decades to the format and we must finally admit its failure. Two of the main principles of this basic principle were violated. Force was used and there was no will to respect the self—determination of people. We cannot consider Russia as a fair facilitator, but only as a regime that wants to keep and increase Armenia’s dependence on it for as long as possible. In the report, we call on Armenia to consider diversifying its security partnership and move away from its reliance on Russia, where Putin’s regime has demonstrated it cannot be a trusted partner. I welcome the establishment of the EU mission in Armenia after a successful EU monitoring capacity between 20 October and 19 December 2022. To make full use of the strong EU engagement, I would like to urge Azerbaijan to allow the EU mission access to its side of the border as well. This is an important confidence—building step between the two countries. A key element is a reliable international guarantee for the future of the Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh, in the area of security, social life, religious freedom, education, among others. The other important aspects for a peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan are: the process of border delimitation and demarcation; the signature of a peace treaty; the establishment of a transport link between Lachin and the western regions of Azerbaijan; the release of all remaining Armenian prisoners, both military and civilians; the prevention of any future destruction of cultural heritage; and the agreement to refrain from using hate speech and violent rhetoric, especially at the highest level of state and government. It is important also to mention and welcome the steps towards normalisation of relations between Armenia and Turkey, including through the act of solidarity of Armenia in relation to the tragic earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria on 6 February. In the text of the report, we also welcome the entry into force of the EU—Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and encourage Armenia to continue working towards its full implementation. We also note the progress made by Armenia in reforming the judiciary, carrying out constitutional and police reform, as well as working together with the EU on a wide range of fields of cooperation with Europol, the European Migration Network, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Creative Europe. We call for the completion of the process of visa liberalisation between the EU and Armenia in order to support people—to—people contacts, closer bilateral ties and reform processes. The section on human rights and fundamental freedoms includes provision of gender equality, combating violence against women and protection of LGBTIQ community. I would like also to raise another point related to members of the opposition parties in Armenia. It is always questionable when members of the opposition are denied the possibility to participate in meetings of the European parties to which they are affiliated. Let me finish by thanking my colleagues for the great cooperation on this report, and I look forward to a fruitful discussion today.