Borrell's Call to Armenia and Azerbaijan

The European Union will continue its engagement at the highest levels to achieve a comprehensive resolution of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, assured the Vice President of the European Commission and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, in response to a letter from MEPs.

"I fully share your concerns about the seriousness of the situation. The armed clashes that occurred in early August and on September 13-14 demonstrate that the situation in the region remains extremely fragile. The EU has called at the highest levels for an end to military operations," Borrell stated.

He emphasized that the President of the European Council continues to stay in close contact with the leaders of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and he has also reached out to the foreign ministers of both countries, instructing the EU special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia to hold immediate consultations in Yerevan and Baku.

"The EU has urged both sides to strictly adhere to the ceasefire and has called for Azerbaijani forces to immediately return to their positions in accordance with the last administrative borders of the former Soviet Socialist Republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU also encourages both parties to make progress on delimitation and demarcation, which is crucial for reducing the risk of further clashes," noted Josep Borrell.

He also indicated that following the preliminary meetings held earlier this year, the next session of the commissions on border issues is scheduled to take place in Brussels in November.

The EU calls on all parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, especially based on the outcomes achieved during the quadrilateral meetings in Brussels mediated by President of the European Council Charles Michel.

Borrell reminded that the leaders of the countries also met with French President Emmanuel Macron on October 6 in Prague during the European Political Community summit, where they agreed on establishing an EU civilian mission in Armenia.

"I can assure you that the EU will continue its engagement at the highest levels to achieve a comprehensive resolution of this conflict," Borrell concluded.