EU calls ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh only the first step

Baku/19.11.20/Turan: The European Union welcomes the cessation of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, but considers this only the first step towards resolving the conflict, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a November 19 statement.

On this day, the foreign ministers of all 27 EU states are holding a video conference, including the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, DW correspondent reports. 

The European Union called on "all parties" to observe "strictly” the ceasefire, an agreement on which was reached by Armenia and Azerbaijan with the mediation of Russia.

The EU believes that efforts should be renewed to achieve a sustainable settlement, including on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, the statement said.

Borrell stressed that all regional players must refrain from actions or rhetoric that could threaten the ceasefire.

The European Union also considers it very important to create conditions for the safe return of refugees who had to leave the regions of Nagorno-Karabakh where they lived.

"The EU stresses the importance of preserving and restoring cultural and religious heritage in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. The EU is ready to continue to provide humanitarian aid to the affected population," Borrell emphasizes.-0-