The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met today with the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, in Brussels. Borrell highlighted the necessity of returning to the negotiation table for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
A statement issued by the European External Action Service on Thursday (22 October) and posted on the website said: "They discussed the situation in and around the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone. The High Representative referred to the 10 October and 17 October ceasefire agreements, mediated by Russia and France respectively in coordination with the other OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, which were agreed to by both Armenia and Azerbaijan but not respected. The European Union continues to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and strict respect for the agreed ceasefire by all. Any actions that target civilians or bring about further suffering to the civilian population must stop immediately. The High Representative also stressed that the sides have an obligation to comply fully with international humanitarian law.
The High Representative urged the sides to return to the negotiations on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, without preconditions and without delay. All actors, including external parties, should refrain from any actions that may result in the continuation of hostilities and further casualties. This includes bringing an end to the dangerous, inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric. High Representative Borrell reiterated the EU's supports for the on-going efforts of the Co-Chairs through active high level contacts, as well as via the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus."
Source: commonspace.eu with the European External Action Service press service
Photo: EU High Representative Josep Borrell met the president of Armenia Armen Sargsian in Brussels on 22 October 2020 (picture courtesy of the EEAS)
