European Council President Charles Michel spoke with a statement on the results of the second trilateral meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
It is noted that it was aimed at continuing the discussion of the situation in the South Caucasus region and the development of EU relations with the two countries.
“President Michel reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Armenia and Azerbaijan, work more closely to overcome tensions, promote the idea of a secure, stable, peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus for the benefit of all the peoples of the region.
The leaders took stock of developments since their last meeting in Brussels in December 2021 and after a video conference with President Macron in February 2022. Monitored the fulfillment of the obligations assumed. The parties discussed the latest reports of tensions and approved the budget for 2020. The need for full compliance with the provisions of the tripartite statement of 9/10 November. They welcomed the meeting of high-ranking representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels on March 30, 2022 under the auspices of the EU and agreed on the need to continue this cooperation in order to ensure the proper implementation of the agreements reached at the leadership level. “, the document says.
It is noted that President Michel stressed the importance of humanitarian steps on both sides to build confidence and peaceful coexistence. He stressed the need to resolve all outstanding humanitarian issues as soon as possible, including the release of all detainees and a comprehensive solution to the problem of the missing, and said that the EU stands ready to support these efforts. The EU will continue to support confidence-building measures between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as humanitarian demining efforts, including ongoing expert consultations, increased financial assistance, and assistance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of conflict-affected populations.
President Michel highlighted the desire expressed by President Ali and Prime Minister Pashinyan to move quickly towards a peace agreement between the two countries. To this end, it was decided to instruct the Ministers of Foreign Affairs to prepare a future peace treaty in which all necessary issues would be settled.
According to the President of the European Council, the demarcation and delimitation of the border between the two countries will be important. To this end, in 2021, in accordance with the Sochi Declaration of November 26, 2006, it was decided to establish a joint commission on border issues by the end of April. The mandate of the Joint Border Commission will be:
1. Demarcate the bilateral border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
2. Ensure a stable security situation along and near the border.
President Michel also stressed that ensuring proper distance between forces is an important element in preventing incidents, reducing tensions, reaffirming the readiness of the EU to provide advice and assistance.
The leaders also discussed rebuilding the communications infrastructure/channels in the South Caucasus in general and between Armenia and Azerbaijan in particular. President Michel welcomed the steps taken to restore the railway, while calling on Armenia and Azerbaijan to find effective solutions to restore road connectivity. The EU stands ready to support the development of channels, including through the organization of an economic consultative forum in line with its economic and investment plan, to identify common projects. The leaders agreed to summarize the results of the meeting and continue cooperation.