What Did Charles Michel Mean by the Expression 'Ethnic Armenians of Artsakh'?

The issues of rights and security have been fundamental concerns leading to the outbreak of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and without addressing these topics, a comprehensive sustainable solution cannot be achieved. This was stated by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Toivo Klaar, in an interview with NEWS.am, responding to a question about what European Council President Charles Michel meant when he emphasized the need to address the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population in Artsakh during the tripartite meeting in Brussels on May 22.

“President Michel pointed out the fact that, in his opinion, beyond the negotiations regarding inter-state relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, it is important to address the rights and security issues of the ethnic Armenian population in Artsakh. Inter-state relations are, of course, very important and need to be regulated. We know very well that rights and security in an inter-ethnic context have been one of the main issues that sparked the conflict. Without addressing this topic, we cannot achieve a comprehensive sustainable solution. Regarding the status and self-determination, the EU has always had a clear stance: we will support any agreement that guarantees a long-term sustainable solution. Peace processes are usually accompanied by fears, emotions, manipulations, and misinterpretations; that is natural,” he stated.

Toivo Klaar noted that in this context, “it is crucial for the process to be as transparent as possible so that societies have a clear understanding of what is being discussed.”

“There is also a need to reduce tensions and tone down the rhetoric. The EU welcomed the statements made by Armenian Prime Minister N. Pashinyan in parliament on April 13, as well as the recent position of Azerbaijani President I. Aliyev regarding the need to turn the page on hostility and to ensure a safe and positive future for all individuals affected by the conflict, be they the ethnic Armenian population or those displaced by the recent military actions,” he added.