Opening of communications, including Agdam-Khankendi road, is important for reconciliation of Armenians and Azerbaijanis – T. Klaar

Baku/20.07.23/Turan: The resumption of contacts between Armenians and Azerbaijanis should happen thanks to the opening of transport communications, EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Toivo Klaar said. At the same time, he stressed that along with the resumption of traffic on the Lachin road, the Agdam-Khankendi highway can be used to supply the Armenian-populated part of Karabakh.

"President (of the EU Council) Michel called on Saturday to reopen the Lachin corridor, and the Azerbaijani side expressed its readiness to deliver humanitarian aid from Agdam. I think both roads are important. The Lachin corridor should be opened, and this is what is foreseen, what should happen. At the same time, if there is a proposal to provide supplies from Agdam, then you can take advantage of this opportunity," the Armenian edition of "Alpha News" quotes Klaar.

Answering the question "why does the EU take the side of Azerbaijan in the issue of aid delivery and does not insist on opening the Lachin corridor?", Klaar stressed: "... It is necessary to resume contacts between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, which should happen thanks to the opening of transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan, then the delivery of humanitarian cargo to Stepanakert (Khankendi) from Agdam in addition to deliveries from Armenia. Eventually, all of this has to happen. Otherwise, how can we establish peace and take genuine steps towards reconciliation if there are no contacts? I understand the emotions involved. We have stated very clearly that the Lachin corridor needs to be opened. But at the same time, I believe that any proposals, in addition to the Lachin corridor, not as an alternative to the Lachin corridor, but in addition to it, should also be used." -06B-