EU reiterates importance of avoiding harsh rhetoric and threats to use force in Armenia-Azerbaijan talks — Anitta Hipper

The EU reiterates the importance of Armenia and Azerbaijan negotiating on all outstanding matters in good faith while avoiding harsh rhetoric and threats to use force, the lead spokesperson of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anitta Hipper, told Armenpress.

She reiterated EU’s readiness to support the sides to achieve sustainable peace.

“The EU has consistently been calling on the sides to refrain from engaging in steps that could undermine the peace process. In particular, we have been raising the importance of avoiding harsh rhetoric and have been encouraging the sides to work on mutually acceptable solutions towards a stable and peaceful future for all populations in the region.The EU continues its strong engagement with both sides, including its consultations on the normalisation process and last year’s positive developments on their bilateral track. We very much encourage the sides to continue their exchanges and look for mutually acceptable solutions that would address their respective concerns,” she said.

When asked about Azerbaijan’s continued aggression against Armenia and the displacement of the indigenous population of Artsakh, she said that the EU has been supporting both sides in the normalization process over the past few years, including on issues relating to displaced populations.

“We reiterate our call on both sides to negotiate on all outstanding matters in good faith and will remain in dialogue on these matters with both parties,” she noted.

“We welcome all efforts towards achieving sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In addition to other international efforts, what is known as the ‘Brussels process’ allowed the leaders of both sides to intensively engage in 2021-2023 on core issues. This provided a structured framework and the space needed to advance the normalization process, which was appreciated by both sides. The EU very much welcomes the progress achieved subsequently on the bilateral track and hopes 2025 will bring more positive outcomes, for the benefit of all populations in the region. The EU remains ready to provide additional support to the two sides,” the spokesperson added.