Norwegian Foreign Minister: 'The videos of unarmed Armenians being shot by Azerbaijanis are horrifying, we had to respond'

The Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt stated during her official visit to Armenia on October 19 that she finds the videos of Azerbaijani forces executing Armenian captives horrifying, emphasizing that those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable.

Huitfeldt asserted, 'The videos of unarmed Armenians being shot by Azerbaijanis are horrifying, and we had to respond. Those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable.' She highlighted that she is encouraged by a recent statement made following the quadrilateral meeting in Prague, where the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan reconfirmed their recognition of each other's territorial integrity. Huitfeldt regarded this as an important step in the right direction towards a peaceful resolution.

Norway is closely monitoring the negotiations regarding a potential peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Huitfeldt is convinced that lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiations. During her meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, she reaffirmed Norway's readiness to support Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Addressing the humanitarian challenges arising from the 44-day war launched by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and recent aggression on Armenia's sovereign territory, the Foreign Minister acknowledged the difficult situation many Armenians are facing during this challenging period, reminding that Norway is already involved in several humanitarian aid projects in the region that benefit Armenians.

'One of the purposes of my visit is to better understand how Norway can help and to find new areas for cooperation,' Huitfeldt stated. Commenting on the relations between Armenia and Norway, as well as Norway's priorities in the region, she emphasized their enthusiasm for Armenia's commitment to democratic reforms. 'This is a brave choice in a complex region during difficult times. The purpose of my visit is partly to explore how Norway can support you in this regard. We want to expand our bilateral relations with our Armenian friends based on shared values. We also believe that a peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus is important not only for the countries in the region but also for Europe and Norway,' she noted.

The minister assured that Norway will continue to support the Council of Europe's action plan for Armenia. 'The Council of Europe, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and international human rights organizations are our main avenues for supporting significant reforms in Armenia,' Huitfeldt concluded.