THE European Union condemns Azerbaijan’s military operation against its Armenian population Nagorno-Karabakh and deplores the human losses caused by this escalation, said in a written statement the High Representative Joseph Borel. It stresses that “forced displacement of the civilian population by military or other means will be met with a strong response from the EU”, as well as that the Union “stands ready to take appropriate measures in the event of a further deterioration of the situation”.

“We have taken into account the respective announcements that a ceasefire agreement has been reached. We expect an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities and the observance of the ceasefire”, notes Mr Borel and adds that the EU calls on Azerbaijan to allow immediate and unhindered access of humanitarian aid to the population in need, including through the full reopening the Lachin Corridor in accordance with the orders of the International Court of Justice of February and July 2023. The High Representative points out that “humanitarian agencies should be able to operate freely. The EU and its Member States are ready to provide urgent humanitarian aid.”

It also underlines that the EU calls on the Armenians of Baku and Karabakh to urgently engage in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue.

“Azerbaijan bears the responsibility to ensure the rights and safety of Karabakh Armenians, including their right to live in their homes without intimidation and discrimination. Forced displacement of the civilian population by military or other means will be met with a strong response from the EU,” stresses Josep Borrell. “The EU is ready to take appropriate measures in the event of a further deterioration of the situation,” he underlines.

Also, Josep Borrell reports that the EU reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Azerbaijan and Armenia. “We call on Azerbaijan to confirm its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of Armenia, in accordance with the 1991 Almaty Declaration,” he notes.

In addition, he points out that the EU is ready to further support the democratically elected authorities of Armenia: resilience, security and the continuation of democratic reforms in the country. The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) will continue to monitor and report on the security situation along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan.

The EU calls for the resumption of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on all outstanding issues, with a view to concluding a peace treaty, and remains fully committed to supporting such negotiations.

Finally, Josep Borrell states that the European Union remains fully committed to facilitating dialogue between the sides, especially under the auspices of the President of the European Council with the support of the EU Special Envoy, in order to ensure lasting peace for the benefit of all its people area.