Peaceful solution to Karabakh conflict top EU priority - Federica Mogherini
A peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, in
accordance with international law, remains a top EU priority, EU
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Federica Mogherini said in an exclusive interview with Trend.
She made the remarks Feb. 27 in anticipation of her visit to Baku
to participate in the second Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council
Meeting on Feb. 29.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a
result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied
20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and
seven surrounding districts.
The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are
currently holding peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet
implemented the UN Security Council's four resolutions on
withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding districts.
The OSCE Minsk Group is a format accepted by all sides, and
endorsed by the UN Security Council, Mogherini said.
“The co-chairs have launched new mediation efforts: our support to
this process, including through the EU Special Representative
Herbert Salber, has been, and will continue to be, unwavering,” she
said.
Mogherini went on to add that the EU will also keep supporting
peace-building activities and people-to-people contacts. There is
no contradiction between these activities and the efforts of the
Minsk Group; both are important for long-term reconciliation, she
said.
Mogherini expressed her solidarity with all the people affected by
this conflict.
“An entire generation has grown up without knowing the true meaning
of the word "peace",” she said. “It is no secret that the current
status quo is unsustainable. Over the past year we have witnessed
an escalation of violence along the line of contact: no one can
afford to keep going down this path.”
She said that a central part of the talks within the Minsk Group is
to find agreement on practical steps towards a comprehensive
settlement of the conflict.
“Only a few months ago, in December 2015, both President Aliyev and
President Sargsyan confirmed they will keep engaging on current
proposals,” Mogherini said. “This is vital: ultimately, it is up to
your countries' leaders to show courage and move towards
peace.”
She went on to add that everyone has a duty to refrain from
provocative statements and to work to de-escalate the situation on
the ground.
“Over the past year heavy weapons were used, civilians were
targeted,” she said. “The current instability has huge costs for
both sides. Peace, on the other hand, would allow for the opening
of borders, facilitate trade and communications. Peace could make
your region a prosperous gateway between Europe and Asia.”
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