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EU special representative spoke about prospects of peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia

21 October 2022 18:41 (UTC +04:00)

"We expect Armenia and Azerbaijan to cooperate with the EU monitors and contribute to a stabilization of the situation, thus allowing for an environment conducive to peace talks and focused work of the border commissions," said Toivo Klaar, the EU's special representative for the South Caucasus, in an interview with news. am, APA reports

He said that EU Monitoring Capacity has a clear mandate to report back on any security-related developments on the ground. "The expectation is that the presence of the EU monitors will help deter any further escalation."

"The Azerbaijani side has committed to engaging with the mission through regular contacts between relevant actors on the ground, even without a physical presence on the Azerbaijani side of the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border.

That border exists, even though it is not demarcated. Also, Armenian forces that are on the Azerbaijani side of the bilateral border should be pulled back. Reducing tensions in this way would surely contribute positively to the work of the delimitation commissions. To my mind, both are essential: respect for the existing border and full engagement in the delimitation talks. It is our hope that the next meeting of the border commissions in Brussels will help achieve some concrete results.

The deployment of the EU Monitoring Capacity in Armenia also follows a specific request made by Armenia through an official letter sent by the Armenian Foreign Minister to HR/VP J. Borrell on 22 September.

One of the main outcomes of the Prague meeting on 6 October was Armenia and Azerbaijan confirming their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the Alma Ata 1991 Declaration, through which both recognized each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The EU has always made it very clear that guarantees for the rights and security of the Armenian population of Karabakh will be a key element of a future peaceful South Caucasus. I, above all, believe that it is essential for Baku to elaborate a comprehensive strategy and engage in a constructive and transparent process of dialogue with the Armenian population in Karabakh, which is supported by the international community. A solution that will ensure Karabakh Armenians’ rights and security is in the interest of the population on the ground, it is in the interest of Armenia, it is in the interest of Azerbaijan, and it is also in the interest of the international community.

The EU official also commented on the opinion that Azerbaijan and Armenia should sign a peace treaty by the end of this year. Toivo Klaar said that achieving this goal will depend on the parties: "What is clear is that we support this process and are convinced that an agreement will be a crucial element for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.."

Answering the question about the videos spread on social networks, the special representative emphasized that I have clearly stated that past crimes can in no way justify a repetition of violence. "This has to stop once and for all, and the perpetrators of these crimes must face justice. There is also a need to acknowledge and investigate earlier crimes, regardless of who committed them. The Azerbaijani authorities have taken initial steps to investigate the latest reports of violence, and we will closely follow these proceedings. At the same time, I would like to reiterate our call on both sides on the need to ensure fair treatment of past and recent violence, but also to do everything in their power to avoid a repetition of such indescribable acts. The page of enmity and hatred needs to be turned once and for all for the benefit of future generations," EU Special Representative said.