JOINT STATEMENT on the resumption of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Brussels, 27 September 2020 – “We are greatly concerned about today’s renewed escalation of violence on the line of contact, which, according to reports, has yet again led to the deaths of military personnel and civilians. We express our deep condolences to the families of the victims. We call for an immediate halt to these military confrontations. As repeatedly stated by the European Parliament, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which claims the lives of innocent people and hampers the socio-economic development and stability of the whole region, does not have a military solution. Instead, it needs a political settlement in accordance with international law, i.e. the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the 1975 OSCE Helsinki Final Act, as well the OSCE Minsk Group’s 2009 Basic Principles. We reiterate our unwavering support to the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict. For this mediation to have a chance of success, the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan must strictly observe the ceasefire, promote an atmosphere conducive to peace and find the political courage to negotiate in good faith – returning urgently to negotiations without preconditions.”