EU calls on Yerevan and Baku to use ‘historic opportunity’ for reconciliation

The European Union called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to seize the “historic opportunity” to resolve differences and return to the negotiating table.

“We call on the leaders of both countries (Armenia and Azerbaijan) to use the historic opportunity to finally resolve this conflict and return to a meaningful dialogue,” European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi during discussions of relations between Brussels and Baku at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“Many important issues require urgent solutions”, Varheli emphasized.

He expressed full support for the efforts of the head of the European Council Charles Michelaimed at facilitating a dialogue between the heads of Azerbaijan and Armenia on all issues related to the peace process, including on a future peace treaty and delimitation of borders.

According to the European Commissioner, the European Union has deployed a mission in Armenia (EUMA) “to reduce tensions and support the peace process.”

“This is an important step towards strengthening stability and strengthening the role of the EU in the region,” he noted.

“We are ready to continue to support Azerbaijan, whether through the promotion of the peace process or the continued provision of humanitarian and mine clearance assistance,” Varheli added.