EU Calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to Avoid Further Incidents and Return to Dialogue

The European Union has issued a statement regarding the recent developments surrounding the Lachin corridor and the increasing tensions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

According to Armenpress, the statement released on the EU's website expresses that the Union is closely monitoring the restrictions on free movement through the Lachin corridor and the severe humanitarian and security implications affecting the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The EU recalls that movement through the Lachin corridor has been obstructed for almost nine months, and since June 15, the corridor has been almost entirely closed, except for occasional medical evacuations.

“As a result, there is a catastrophic shortage of medicines and essential goods, or they have already been depleted, which has horrifying consequences for the local population,” the EU statement emphasizes.

The EU regrets that the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross have been seriously hindered in the region and calls for a full and swift restoration of its operations, including the transport of humanitarian cargo.

“The EU reiterates its call made by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs on July 26 to ensure freedom and security of movement through the Lachin corridor in both directions and guarantee that the crisis does not escalate further, in accordance with the trilateral statement of November 2020, the interim measures of the European Court of Human Rights from December 2022, and the ruling of the International Court of Justice from February 2023. The EU has noted the willingness expressed by the Azerbaijani authorities to supply goods through Aghdam,” the statement reads.

In recent months, the EU has been closely watching the rising tensions along the international border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The EU notes that reports of incidents related to gunfire are received almost daily.

“We call on all parties to avoid further incidents and return to dialogue,” the statement notes.

The EU also reminds that the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is conducting patrols along the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan to report on and observe the situation, with the aim of promoting conflict resolution and building trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“The EU reiterates its calls for restraint and dialogue between all parties involved. Permanent efforts are necessary to restore trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan to ensure peace and stability in the region for the benefit of the local civilian population. The prompt establishment of dialogue between representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenians residing in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast is of crucial importance, especially regarding the resolution of the humanitarian crisis in the region, as well as the rights and security of the Armenians in Karabakh and other related issues,” the message states.

For more details, visit the source website.