He expressed his strong disappointment at the use of force and the need to observe the ceasefire in Armenia. President of the European Council, Charles Michelin a telephone conversation he had on September 20, with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev .

According to a senior EU official, in the phone conversation with Azeri President Charles Michel, who is in New York, he stressed the need for Azerbaijan to urgently provide credible guarantees for the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and to address their humanitarian needs. In addition, he pointed out that there should be an amnesty for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and that for those of them who wish to leave there, conditions should be created for a “safe, dignified and voluntary exit”. He also underlined the need for consultations with international partners regarding the future of the Armenian residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.

For his part, President Aliyev reiterated that the military operation was justified, he will seek the reintegration of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh into Azerbaijan, while refusing any international mediation. According to the same sources, the President of Azerbaijan told Charles Michel that he would consider amnesty for those who laid down their arms and that his country wishes to proceed with the broader normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

President Michel once again expressed his deep disappointment, saying that “the means used by Baku are unacceptable” and added that “now the situation is very difficult” and there is a negative reaction at the international level, including the EU, which discussed the “various options” he could give in response. Charles Michel reiterated that it is important to focus on the humanitarian situation and that a role for the international community is required for security in the region. He also called on President Aliyev to ensure that Armenians are respected and that there is a future for them in Azerbaijan.

In addition, Charles Michel reminded his interlocutor of plans for a meeting between Baku and Karabakh Armenians, adding that “any intention to use force against Armenia itself would be unacceptable.” For his part, President Aliyev pledged that the meeting with representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh will indeed take place in Yevlak on September 22.

Charles Michel then said that the President of Azerbaijan has a personal role to play by making it clear that there will be full respect for all citizens and international law. Michel added that Azeri President Aliyev’s personal communication can make a difference, as well as the role of the international community.

Regarding the broader process, President Michel stressed the need for Azerbaijan to reaffirm its respect for Armenia’s territorial integrity. Aliyev confirmed the earlier agreement, saying there had never been a territorial claim on Armenia. Regarding the border demarcation, Ilhan Aliyev said that it has always been the Armenians who have been blocking the process and added that Armenia and Azerbaijan need support for it to be completed quickly.