“The EU is sorry for the human losses during the 44-day war in Nagorno-Karabakh and expresses its condolences to the families of those who were killed or injured”, mentioned in the announcement of Peter Stano, the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU.
“While hostilities have ceased, many pending issues still need to be addressed to move towards a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement. We call for the strict respect of the ceasefire, the immediate release of all remaining prisoners, full cooperation on demining, and the de-escalation of tensions in border areas.
The EU remains committed to promoting a peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus and it is actively engaged in the peace-building and post conflict rehabilitation. It has played an important role in the release of prisoners and the handing-over of minefield maps. The EU has also supported people affected by the conflict with more than €17 million of humanitarian assistance. The EU is also ready to support border de-escalation and delimitation by providing technical assistance and encourages connectivity and the reopening of economic cooperation in the South Caucasus,” the Spokesperson said.
“Looking ahead, a comprehensive settlement is necessary to put an end to more than three decades of conflict and suffering. To achieve this goal, the EU will continue to be in active contact with relevant international partners, particularly the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, and fully supports them in carrying out their mandate by working with Armenia and Azerbaijan on a comprehensive solution to all outstanding issues,” he added.