The European Union issued a statement on the developments
around the Lachin corridor and the tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan
along the border.
The statement reads that the European Union is following
with great concern the continued restrictions on free movement along the Lachin
corridor and the serious humanitarian and security consequences affecting the
Karabakh Armenians.
“Medical supplies and essential goods are in critically
short supply or have already run out, with dire consequences for the local
population. The EU deplores that the activities of the International Committee
of the Red Cross in the region have been heavily hampered and calls for their
full and swift resumption, including transport of humanitarian supplies,” reads
the statement.
The EU reiterates its call made by the HRVP on 26 July
strongly and believes the Lachin corridor must be unblocked, in line with past
agreements and the ICJ Order.
The EU has been closely following the growing tensions
between Azerbaijan and Armenia along their international border over the past
months, with shooting incidents reported almost on a daily basis.
“The EU reiterates its calls for restraint and dialogue
among all parties involved. Continuous efforts are necessary to rebuild
confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in order to secure sustainable peace
and stability in the region for the benefit of the local civilian population.
Swift establishment of dialogue between Baku and representatives of Armenians
living in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast is crucial, in
particular for solution of the humanitarian crisis in the area, but also
concerning rights and security of Karabakh Armenians and other issues. The EU
remains fully committed to supporting efforts to strengthen peace and security
in the South Caucasus, for the benefit of all people in the region. We should
not lose the momentum built in recent months for settling the conflict between
Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is important to continue the negotiations,” reads
the statement.
