Charles Michel made statement following trilateral meeting with  Aliyev and Pashinyan in Brussels

ArmInfo. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, hosted the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of the  Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, for a discussion on the  evolving situation in the South Caucasus region and ways forward  regarding EU relations with both countries. 

Thus, as the official website of the organization reports, President  Michel assured both leaders of the EU's commitment to work closely  with Armenia and Azerbaijan in overcoming conflict, creating  cooperation and an atmosphere of trust, with a view to sustainable  peace in the region ultimately underpinned by a comprehensive peace  agreement. The common aim of all three leaders is to build a South  Caucasus that is secure, stable and prosperous for the benefit of all  people living in the region.

Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev reconfirmed that key  commitments undertaken in the framework of the two trilateral  statements of 9 November 2020 and 11 January 2021 would be honoured  and that understandings reached in Sochi on 26 November 2021 should  be built upon.  President Michel commended steps taken by both  leaders to ensure the de-escalation of tensions following recent  armed clashes along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In  particular, the successful establishment of a direct communication  link between the Ministers of Defence of both countries, facilitated  by President Michel, was acknowledged. This mechanism can serve to  prevent future incidents and make a positive impact by helping  de-escalate tensions on the ground. 

President Michel stressed that resolving key humanitarian issues is  of crucial importance. He welcomed the recent release of ten Armenian  detainees by Azerbaijan and the handover of all remaining mine-maps  by Armenia. He called for the full and speedy resolution of all  outstanding humanitarian issues, such as the release of further  detainees and addressing the fate of missing persons, while  recognising that humanitarian gestures by both sides also promote  confidence and help create an environment conducive to progress  towards peace and reconciliation. The EU will continue to support  humanitarian de-mining efforts, including by providing expert advice,  and assistance to conflict-affected populations, rehabilitation and  reconstruction. The EU will also continue to support confidence  building measures between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The leaders discussed key existing and prospective trade and economic  partnerships between the EU and both countries.  They also discussed  the EU's intention to launch an economic advisory platform to build  confidence, contribute to peaceful coexistence and build up economic  cooperation in the region.

President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan agreed that in the  context of the planned launch of negotiations on the delimitation and  demarcation of the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan,  further tangible steps will need to be taken to reduce tensions on  the ground to ensure a conducive atmosphere for the talks. President  Michel called on both Yerevan and Baku to actively engage in good  faith and to work towards de- escalation. He stressed that ensuring  the appropriate distancing of forces is an essential element of  incident prevention. The EU will make available an expert  mission/consultative group to support the border delimitation and  demarcation issues by providing technical assistance to both  countries.

President Michel also emphasised the importance of restoring  communications infrastructure between Armenia and Azerbaijan in  particular and the South Caucasus more broadly, while fully  respecting the sovereignty of all countries. It was agreed to proceed  with the restoration of railway lines, with appropriate arrangements  for border and customs controls, based on the principle of  reciprocity. The EU is ready to support the development of  connectivity links, in line with its Economic and Investment Plan.  The proposed economic advisory platform can also support this  process.

The leaders agreed to follow-up on outcomes of their meeting and to  stay engaged.