Thank you Mr. President and I thank the ASG Jenca for his update.
Like others here, we are deeply concerned by the reports of heavy fighting that has taken place along the Armenian and Azerbaijani border during the last days.
Exchange of fire with many casualties, including civilians, have been reported from both sides.
We express regret for the loss of lives.
This was the worst escalation of hostilities between the two countries since 2020.
We have welcomed with optimism the positive developments during the last weeks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, especially the 4th high-level meeting organized on August 31 in Brussels, under the auspices of the President of the European Council.
The recent armed clashes run counter and undermine such efforts. We hope that these incidents will not undo the progress achieved. As we know, dealing with difficult and complex issues in post conflict situations needs trust, resolve and continued efforts.
We have carefully read the communications from both countries and listened to the briefing of USG Jenca. In such volatile situation, and with the information we have, it is not easy to have full clarity based on independently verified facts.
While parties blame each other, we highlight the importance of avoiding any actions, which feed into mistrust and, including military buildup and other provocations along the border. The blame game and retaliatory measures will only bring more clashes, could lead to renewed fighting and an open conflict, with serious consequences.
These serious and worrying developments are a reminder of the volatility and the fragility of the situation on the ground in the absence of a peace treaty.
Mr. President,
These latest acts of violence have erupted beyond the Nagorno-Karabakh region. It is important and urgent to do the utmost so that the conflict lines do not spread further.
Colleagues,
As everybody knows, European security is already under serious threat from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A further escalation of the situation in the region leading to the outbreak of a conflict, would have far reaching consequences that would transcend the regional borders.
As in every conflict, civilians are the first to suffer. But let’s not forget also that wider south Caucasus is a crucial artery for energy commodities to Europe and other world markets.
At a time when the world markets have been deeply affected by the on-going war in Ukraine, with severe impacts on energy markets, any further disruptions elsewhere would only increase the volatility and make the global situation worse. Needless to say, that the humanitarian situation, would worsen even further. We do not need more of it.
We support international efforts, within existing formats, including the OSCE and the active role from the European Union to stop hostilities.
We welcome the cease-fire, which entered in force yesterday at 20:00, which, according to reports, is being respected so far. We call on the sides to continue its implementation.
We welcome the strong involvement of the European Union in the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including at the highest level through President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
We reiterate that there is no alternative to a peaceful negotiated solution of the conflict through the path of diplomacy.
Thank you!
