Conflict and Peace

The EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has called for more EU engagement with the South Caucasus. Writing on his blog on the website of the European External Action Service, Borrell said that there is a growing expectation on the side of EU member states and partners for the EU to take a more active role in addressing the conflicts in the Eastern neighbourhood. "We are ready to help rebuild not only physical roads and bridges, but also paths to reconciliation and peaceful co-existence," the High Representative said.

US Special Envoy to Yemen Timothy Lenderking has said the United States recognises the Houthi movement as a legitimate party in Yemen. The Houthi group responded that the recognition meant nothing serious to them and the Yemeni government commented that Lenderking's comments were understood out of context.

The Council of the European Union on Monday (21 June) approved conclusions welcoming the EU Concept on cultural heritage in conflicts and crises, which enhances the EU's approach to peace, security and development. The conclusions recognise that cultural heritage can play a key role in promoting peace, democracy and sustainable development by fostering tolerance, inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue and mutual understanding

In a complicated diplomatic exercise involving US and Georgian diplomats, Armenia and Azerbaijan on Saturday implemented "an exchange" that whilst humanitarian in nature also has deep diplomatic consequences.

On Thursday (10 June), the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, met with Yemeni Foreign Minister, Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak. High Representative/Vice-President Borrell reiterated strong EU support to the Yemeni government and the people of Yemen, highlighting the significant work of the EU in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.