EU Urges Return of All Prisoners from 44-Day War and Strictly Maintain Ceasefire

The spokesperson for the European Union's foreign affairs and security policy, Peter Stano, has issued a statement in connection with the one-year anniversary of the trilateral agreement signed between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia to halt the 44-day war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The statement notes that the EU regrets the human losses recorded during military operations and extends condolences to the families of all victims and the injured.

“Although hostilities have ceased, there are still many urgent issues that require resolution in order to move toward a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement. We specifically call for strict adherence to the ceasefire, the immediate release of all prisoners, full cooperation on demining issues, and the easing of tensions along the border,” Stano stated.

The European Union remains committed to promoting peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus and is actively involved in processes that support peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery. It has played a crucial role in the release of prisoners and in providing maps of mined areas,” the spokesperson added.

He also reminded that the EU has supported individuals affected by the conflict with more than €17 million in humanitarian assistance. Stano mentioned that the EU is ready to assist in easing border tensions and demarcation by providing necessary technical support while encouraging the resumption of economic cooperation in the South Caucasus.

“Looking to the future, a comprehensive settlement is necessary to end more than three decades of conflict and suffering. To achieve this goal, the EU will continue to actively engage with relevant international partners, particularly the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, and fully supports them in fulfilling their mandate to work towards a comprehensive resolution of all priority issues with Armenia and Azerbaijan,” the statement concluded.