Everyone can see that Russia has betrayed the Armenian people: Charles Michel

“Russia has not ensured peace and security in Nagorno-Karabakh; it is clear to everyone that Russia has betrayed the Armenian people,” said Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in an interview with Euronews.

“The situation is clear. No one can deny it. Russia has betrayed the Armenian population. Russia has expressed a desire for its soldiers to be present there and guarantee agreements on stability and security. We see that this military operation has begun without the slightest response from Russia, which is on the ground, unlike the European Union, which has no military presence there,” said the President of the European Council.

Charles Michel also emphasized that he intends to propose mediation between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the upcoming EU summit in Granada this weekend.

In response to a journalist's question about the cessation of existence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh from January 1, and how to build trust in this context, Michel stated that Azerbaijan bears significant responsibility since the moment it began military operations: “Now Azerbaijan must show goodwill, involve the international community in observing the situation to protect the rights and security of the entire population living in Azerbaijan, including the Armenian population,” emphasized Charles Michel.

The President of the European Council also addressed the EU's relations with Baku, describing them as complex yet promising: “Brussels’ relations with Baku remain complex but promising. Last year, the European Union did a lot to receive more natural gas from Azerbaijan. Efforts to strengthen security and develop cooperation in the Caucasus should involve Azerbaijan more,” Michel said.

He also referred to the ratification of the Rome Statute in the National Assembly: “Is he a partner today? Yes, he is a partner. Does this mean that the relationships are clear? No, the relationships are not clear. Does this mean that there are difficulties in these relations? Yes, the reality is complex, and this must be understood,” concluded Charles Michel.