EU will further support Karabakh conflict resolution

European Union (EU) will continue to insist that Armenia and Azerbaijan step up their efforts to reach agreement, EU official website quotes European Council head Herman Van Rompuy as saying during his speech at the Armenian parliament.

He said the so-called Madrid Principles remain a valid basis for peace, in accordance
with the commitments made by the Presidents of both your countries to France, Russia and the United States as co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group.

Expressing his great concern about the recent serious armed incidents on the contact line between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Rompuy deeply regretted the loss of human life. He said the clock cannot be turned back on these tragic incidents, but lessons can be learned.

"The European Union calls on both sides strictly to respect the ceasefire and exercise
restraint, on the ground and in public statements, in order to prevent a further escalation of the situation. Threats and the use of force do not contribute to a resolution of this persisting conflict," he said.

Rompuy stated that the efforts of the Minsk Group and its co-chairs to seek a peaceful resolution have our full support. Where useful, we stand ready to provide extra assistance for confidence building measures.

He underlined that once there is a settlement agreement the EU will be ready to help implementing it including with rehabilitation assistance.


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