EU threatens Baku in case of forced displacement of Nagorno-Karabakh  Armenians

ArmInfo.The European Union condemns the military operation by Azerbaijan against the Armenian  population of Nagorno-Karabakh and deplores the casualties and loss of life caused by this escalation. This was stated by the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell.

"We have taken note of the respective announcements that a ceasefire  agreement was reached. We expect an immediate and complete cessation  of hostilities, and for the ceasefire to be respected.

The EU calls on Azerbaijan to allow immediate and unimpeded  humanitarian access to the population in need, including through a  full re-opening of the Lachin corridor in line with the ICJ Orders of  February and July 2023. The humanitarian actors should be able to  operate freely. The EU and its Member States stand ready to provide  urgent humanitarian assistance.

The EU calls on Baku and Karabakh Armenians to urgently engage in a  comprehensive and transparent dialogue.

Azerbaijan bears the responsibility to ensure the rights and security  of the Karabakh Armenians, including their right to live in their  homes without intimidation and discrimination. Forced displacement of  the civilian population through military or other means will be met  with a strong response by the EU.

The EU stands ready to take appropriate actions in the event of a  further deterioration of the situation.

The EU reiterates its support to the sovereignty and territorial  integrity of both Azerbaijan and Armenia. We call on Azerbaijan to  reaffirm its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of  Armenia, in line with the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

The EU stands ready to further support the democratically elected  authorities of Armenia: the resilience, security and continuation of  democratic reforms in the country. The European Union Mission in  Armenia (EUMA) will continue to observe and report on the security  situation along the Armenian side of the international border with  Azerbaijan.

The EU calls for the resumption of negotiations between Armenia and  Azerbaijan on all pending issues, in view of the conclusion of a  peace treaty, and remains fully committed to supporting such  negotiations.

The European Union remains fully committed to facilitating dialogue  between the sides, notably under the auspices of the European Council  President with support of the EU Special Representative, in order to  ensure long-lasting peace for the benefit of all people of the  region, " the statement posted on the official website of the EU  reads.