European Union foreign policy spokesperson Peter Stano responded to journalists' questions regarding the violence against Armenian prisoners of war in the recorded videos.
Indeed, we are aware of this horrendous video which is circulating in social networks. And if proven to be authentic indeed these videos show acts of war crimes and clear violation of the international law. The European Union condemns any violation of international law and crimes against humanity and we call for an immediate comprehensive investigation by the relevant authorities. Now the European Union is not an investigative body so this is something that apparently happened in the region so it needs to be investigated by the authorities that’s why especially in case of latest video which is showing apparently Azerbaijani soldiers executing Armenian prisoners of war, this is for the Azerbaijani authorities to investigate. Perpetrators of such horrendous acts must be held accountable and such crimes have to be clearly condemned and this is very strong position of the European Union,” Stano stated.
To the journalist's question, whether we should wait for investigations of violence from the parties, the spokesperson answered that it is in the interest of Azerbaijani authorities to investigate and prove to the world that this is not the policy of the country. “So that’s why we are calling for proper investigation by Azerbaijani authorities and depending on the outcomes on such investigation then the European Union would consider further steps,” Stano said.
As for the Prague meeting, Stano said that he thinks this is something for the president of the European Council.
“Generally our position is very intense as you know the European Union is very much involved in facilitating the talks between the two countries both by the President of the council Michel and through the activities of Borrell and our special representative for the region Toivo Klaar. So there is a lot of going on to try to solve this unfortunate problem because it continues to bring new and new cases of violence. And violence is never a solution. The violence needs to stop. European Union is determined to continue our engagement in support of the de-escalation efforts. And to work closely both sides towards a comprehensive resolution of this conflict. So that there are no scenes of such violence, clashes and apparent violations of international law,” Stano concluded.
