Details Discussed: Charles Michel Provides Insights from Trilateral Meeting with Aliyev and Pashinyan

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, made a statement following the results of a trilateral negotiation in Brussels.

“Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that they will fulfill the key commitments undertaken within the framework of the two trilateral statements of November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021, and that the agreements reached on November 26, 2021, in Sochi should be implemented,” the statement read.

Michel noted that he appreciated the actions taken by the two leaders to reduce tensions after recent armed clashes at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Specifically, he highlighted the successful establishment of direct communication between the ministers of defense of the two countries with his support. According to the statement, this mechanism can help prevent future incidents and positively influence the reduction of tensions on the ground.

Charles Michel emphasized the crucial importance of resolving key humanitarian issues. “He welcomed the recent release of ten Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijan and the handover of all maps of landmines by Armenia. He called for the immediate and comprehensive resolution of all outstanding humanitarian issues, such as the release of other detainees and the fate of the missing, acknowledging that humanitarian gestures from both sides also contribute to building trust and creating conditions that facilitate the promotion of peace and reconciliation,” the statement included.

The leaders discussed the existing and prospective economic partnership relations between the EU and the two countries. They also discussed the EU's intention to create an economic advisory platform to enhance confidence-building, promote peaceful coexistence, and expand economic cooperation in the region. Additionally, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan agreed that further tangible steps must be taken to alleviate tensions on the ground in the context of upcoming negotiations on the delimitation and demarcation of the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, aiming to ensure a conducive atmosphere for negotiations.

President Michel called for both Yerevan and Baku to actively engage in de-escalation efforts. “He emphasized that ensuring a proper distance of forces is a vital element for preventing incidents. The EU will provide an expert mission/advisory group to support the issues of delimitation and demarcation of borders through technical assistance to both countries,” the statement indicated.

The statement also highlighted the importance of restoring communication infrastructures between Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly in the South Caucasus, while fully respecting the sovereignty of all countries. “It has been decided to proceed with the restoration of railway lines based on the principle of reciprocity and appropriate measures of border and customs control. The EU is ready to support the development of connecting routes according to its economic and investment plan. The proposed economic advisory platform can also assist in this process,” the statement noted.

It is worth mentioning that on December 14, trilateral negotiations were held in Brussels between European Council President Charles Michel, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and President Ilham Aliyev. Prior to the meeting, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan held separate talks with the President of the European Council.