Statement after the EU-Azerbaijan-Armenia meeting

Michel made remarks after the trilateral meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the Belgian capital Brussels.

Stating that the meeting in question was the latest in a series of intensive and productive high-level meetings attended by Brussels, Chisinau, Washington, Moscow, and Armenian and Azerbaijani officials on the bilateral border since early May, Michel said the meeting was sincere, honest and meaningful.

“MORE BRAVE STEPS…”

“We are going through one of the most complete and active phases of the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.” Michel stressed that he appreciated the leaders for their strong commitment to the peace process and encouraged them to take more bold steps to ensure decisive and irreversible progress towards normalization.

Michel noted that although the meeting was held against the backdrop of an alarming rise in tension on the ground, they gained significant momentum in political discussions and efforts, and discussed all agenda items within the scope of the meeting.

Referring to the sovereignty and territorial integrity issues raised at the meeting, Michel said: “The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan once again fully reaffirmed their respect for the other country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. According to this understanding, the territory of Armenia is 29,800 square kilometers and the territory of Azerbaijan is 86,600 square kilometers. saying.

Michel noted that both leaders reaffirmed their firm commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration on Borders as a political framework.

“LACIN CORRIDOR MUST BE OPENED”

Stating that the parties have also made clear progress in negotiations aimed at unlocking transport and economic connections in the region in the past two months, Michel noted that they discussed the methods of future transport arrangements in line with the principles of sovereignty, authority and reciprocity.

In this context, stressing that the construction of the rail link should start as soon as possible, Michel stated that the EU would also be willing to contribute financially.

Stating that they discussed the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh and the situation around the Lachin Corridor at the meeting, Michel said: “The current situation is clearly not sustainable and in no one’s interest. We also discussed possible concrete steps to help normalize the situation. I stressed that the Laçin Corridor must be opened”. saying.

“TRUE PROGRESS…”

Stating that they agreed that the teams will be in close contact to provide concrete follow-up to the issues discussed today, Michel said: “Real progress depends on the next steps taken in the near future. Violence and harsh rhetoric must be stopped, first of all, to create a suitable environment for peace talks and normalization.” he used his statements. (AA)