EU does not plan sanctions against Azerbaijan due to situation on Lachin road - Borrell

Baku/31.01.23/Turan: The EU is not considering a mechanism for sanctions in connection with the situation on the Lachin road, the comments of the head of the EU diplomatic bloc, Josep Borrell, in response to an official request from MEP Asita Kanko.

"Sanctions are only one of the EU's mechanisms for advancing the goals of a common European foreign and security policy, and in this case they are not considered. EU efforts are focused on finding solutions through dialogue, to which the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have expressed their commitment," Borrell said.

According to him, since December 2022, the EU has been closely monitoring the processes in the Lachin corridor and their humanitarian consequences. Borrell is in constant contact with the foreign ministers of both sides. In addition, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar is also in constant contact with the parties.

The EU, Borrell added, called on Azerbaijan to do everything in its power to ensure free and safe movement along the corridor, in line with the commitments it made in the November 9, 2020 tripartite statement.

On January 23, the Foreign Ministers of the EU countries approved the formation of a new civilian mission to be sent to Armenia with a two-year mandate. The long-term EU civilian mission in Armenia will include about 100 people, including experts and European observers. The aim of the mission is to promote stability in the border regions of Armenia, build confidence on the ground and provide an environment conducive to EU-supported efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. ---02D---