EU is 'clearly convinced' that the return of Armenian detainees will help the peace process

Yerevan: Mediamax: The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has stated that "the EU continues to support efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on all outstanding issues." Borrell made this statement in response to written inquiries from Members of the European Parliament.

In particular, he said, "Regarding the situation of detainees from Artsakh, the EU calls on Azerbaijan to respect due process, fundamental principles of the protection of detainees, and to ensure transparency. The EU is clearly convinced that confidence-building measures, including the release and repatriation of Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan, can benefit the overall peace process and pave the way for increased trust between the parties."

In this regard, the EU welcomed the joint statement of Armenia and Azerbaijan on December 7, 2023, about confidence-building measures, including the exchange of prisoners, and continues to encourage further steps. The EU is also cooperating with Azerbaijan in the framework of the Human Rights Dialogue, as well as through bilateral contacts.

The EU delegation in Baku is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and is in close contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross, which has regular access to Armenian detainees. Furthermore, the EU continues to urge Azerbaijan to ensure the rights of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the right to return to their homes without intimidation and discrimination.