Charles Michel on need for courageous compromise, on Lachin corridor and Akna road opening options

The current humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is
deteriorating rapidly; it is imperative to take steps to address the needs of
the local population. President of the European Council Charles Michel made a
statement on this.

“European Council President Charles Michel has proposed a
step-by-step approach which would reflect a sequencing in the full-fledged
operation of the Lachin corridor and the opening of the Aghdam route.
Sequencing of these steps and the type of cargo that would be delivered by each
of these roads, as well as attendant procedures, have been the core of the
recent discussions. The EU strongly believes the Lachin corridor must be
unblocked, in line with past agreements and the ICJ Order, and notes that the
use of the Aghdam road to provide supplies can also be part of a concrete and
sustainable solution to the provision of urgent and daily basic needs.
Discussions on these elements had started following the last meeting of the
leaders in Brussels on 15 July 2023,” reads the statement.

It is also noted that dialogue between Baku and the
Armenians of Artsakh will be essential in this regard.

The president of the European Council referred to the need
for starting discussions on the modalities of ensuring the rights and security
of the Armenians of Artsakh.

“The dialogue between Baku and the Karabakh Armenians needs
to strengthen confidence and trust. To this end the EU has provided various
suggestions for international support to this process, as well as for
engagement on the ground to underpin the implementation of agreements reached.
All the above efforts have only one goal: ensure irreversible normalization of
relations between Baku and Yerevan for the benefit of all populations on the
ground. It is now time for courageous compromise solutions, also in light of
today’s escalation,” reads the statement.