Despite all the difficulties we have faced in the past weeks, looking back, the European Union (EU) is in a good position to help normalise Azerbaijani-Armenian relations in the South Caucasus. The remarks came from EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar at the Defence Committee of the European Parliament, APA reports.
According to him, the EU is in contact with Baku and Yerevan at different levels. The special representative ephasized that the full support of the EU efforts in the peace process by the European Parliament and EU member states is very important. “The situation in the region remains very dangerous, the situation is unstable. There is a feeling of anger over the past 30 years. But we, as neighbours of these two countries, must help them. We must help them overcome this. Because it is important for the prosperous South Caucasus, where there is peace,” Klaar added. He noted that much remains to be done to achieve a just peace. Klaar also noted that the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia lasted more than 30 years and a significant part of Azerbaijan was occupied by the Armenian Armed Forces. “Azerbaijanis point to hundreds of thousands of refugees, desecration of cemeteries, destruction of villages and cities. Today the situation has changed radically. After the 2020 war, a ceasefire document was signed, and Azerbaijan returned its territories. Now Azerbaijan is restoring the infrastructure of destroyed cities, despite the fact that this country today is facing such an important problem as mines and unexploded ordnance,” Klaar said. He emphasized that the EU supports Azerbaijan’s efforts to clear the mines. Klaar also touched on the clashes that took place on the border of the two countries last month, saying that “many people died in the clashes that took place in September. The EU, in particular, President of the European Council Charles Michel, is leading efforts for a sustainable and just peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia”.
Caliber.Az