Charles Michel Leads Diplomatic Efforts to Ease Tensions in Armenia and Azerbaijan

The Office of Charles Michel, , issued a statement today outlining significant diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, an autonomous Republic situated between Armenia and Azerbaijan with a Christian Armenian population. In a continuation of initiatives outlined in a statement released on September 1, 2023, President Michel has been actively engaged in advancing proposals focusing on the de-escalation of tensions and addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of the Karabakh Armenians.

President Michel's spokesperson disclosed that the European Council President held intense discussions over the past few days with Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev through telephone conversations on September 9, 2023. Additionally, President Michel engaged in discussions with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the G20 New Delhi summit on September 10, 2023. These high-level talks were complemented by the daily interactions of President Michel's office and European Union Special Representative (EUSR) Toivo Klaar with representatives from Baku, Yerevan, and Karabakh Armenians, focusing on de-escalation efforts and facilitating humanitarian access to the region.

One positive development noted in the statement was the passage of a Russian humanitarian delivery via the Agdam-Askeran route. The Office of Charles Michel recognized the sensitivities associated with this development and expressed the expectation that it would generate momentum for the resumption of regular humanitarian deliveries to the local population.

The deteriorating situation on the ground has intensified the urgency of ensuring essential supplies reach the Karabakh Armenians promptly. The opening of the Agdam-Askeran route was seen as a significant step, and the statement called on all stakeholders to demonstrate responsibility and flexibility to ensure the utilization of both the Lachin and Agdam-Askeran routes. The European Council emphasized the necessity of finding sustainable and mutually acceptable solutions for humanitarian access, especially in anticipation of the approaching autumn and winter seasons.

Reiterating their stance on the unblocking of the Lachin corridor, in accordance with past agreements and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Order, the European Union stressed the importance of exploring other supply routes beneficial for the local population. President Michel's office expressed hope that the recent developments would be followed by concrete steps in the coming days and weeks, urging progress in the dialogue between Baku and Karabakh Armenians concerning their rights, security, reconciliation efforts, and the broader Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.