Josep Borrell Reaffirms EU Support for the OSCE Minsk Group Format

On November 12, a phone conversation took place between Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The minister presented developments following the joint statement by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia on November 10, noting that the statement aims to cease hostilities and deploy peacekeepers in Artsakh.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan reaffirmed the Armenian side's commitment to continuing discussions on all matters related to the Artsakh peace process exclusively within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship, aimed at fully addressing the interests of the Artsakh Armenians. In this context, the foreign minister highlighted the imperative of ensuring stable guarantees for the status of Artsakh and the security of the Artsakh Armenian population.

The EU High Representative reaffirmed the EU's support for the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship format.

The head of Armenia's foreign policy department raised the issue of the fate of Armenian cultural heritage in territories under Azerbaijani occupation. He emphasized the urgent need to take immediate measures regarding their preservation, especially considering the fate that has befallen Armenian historical-cultural monuments under Azerbaijani occupation until now.

In this regard, the EU High Representative stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage and adhering to the principles of international humanitarian law.

The interlocutors thoroughly addressed the humanitarian crisis created in Artsakh as a result of Turkish-Azerbaijani aggression and the steps to be taken to address it on the ground. Armenian Foreign Minister Mnatsakanyan and EU High Representative Josep Borrell discussed the EU's continued support in this direction.