EU says that respect for international humanitarian law is a must

The Office of the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Herbert Salber, has commented on recent incidents on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, echoing the statement earlier this week by the co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Process.

The news agency APA quoted the press service of the special representative as stating that "These are worrying developments and, in this regard, we would like to reiterate our call on the sides to show restraint and respect the ceasefire".

"We fully back the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and support their statement issued on January 9, where they, inter alia, "urge the return, without delay, of human remains, in accordance with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue", the EUSR press service said, noting that respect for international humanitarian law is a must.

The press service informed that Ambassador Herbert Salber intends to continue his regular visits and consultations at the highest level in Armenia and Azerbaijan this year.

"These consultations are very useful for the EU and its member states, in particular to get direct information from the top leadership in Armenia and Azerbaijan," the press service added. "We really hope that this year will see meaningful moves forward in the peaceful settlement of the conflict and we stand ready to contribute to such efforts."

source: commonspace.eu with APA (Baku)

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