High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan Strictly Respect Ceasefire

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to strictly respect the ceasefire and exercise restraint on the ground and in public statements. These steps are necessary in order to prevent the further escalation of the situation. Ashton has expressed concern over the recent incidents. She also deeply regrets the loss of human lives.

“Neither the threat or use of force nor the status quo contribute to the long-term resolution of conflict,” reads the statement of the European External Action Service.

The European diplomatic highlighted the importance of a functioning incident investigation mechanism as proposed by the OSCE. She reinforced the need for progress in the negotiation process.

“The EU urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to step up their efforts to reach agreement on the Madrid principles, as a basis for peace, and to fully implement the commitments in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group," reads the statement.