Josep Borrell
Brussels/19.10.20/Turan: The European Union welcomes the joint announcement of a humanitarian ceasefire by Armenia and Azerbaijan, scheduled to start at 00.00 hrs (local time) last night, following the mediation efforts by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, in coordination with the other OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. The EU deplores that, unfortunately, violations continue, with reported fighting in and around Nagorno Karabakh. This leads to more civilian suffering. It aggravates the conflict between States and respective societies, rendering the healing of wounds even more difficult. The population in Nagorno Karabakh has already experienced excessive suffering. Overall, the conflict has led to extensive and unacceptable civilian casualties. The EU strongly condemns all such attacks irrespective of their origin.
I have just called the ministers of foreign affairs of Armenia and Azerbaijan to impress upon them that the ceasefire should be unconditional and strictly respected by the two sides. I have also underlined that attacks on civilians should stop immediately. They cannot be justified. I have reiterated that the EU remains ready to support the parties and the OSCE in a long-term solution to the conflict.
The EU will continue to monitor the situation, reads the Statement. -0-
Politics
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On November 14, a debate took place in the German Bundestag discussing the "horrific" human rights situation in Azerbaijan and COP29. Following the discussions, members of the Bundestag called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release political prisoners, including Gubad Ibadoglu, Anar Mammadli, Samir Ashurov, and all others detained for political reasons. The debate was initiated by Member of Parliament Frank Schwabe. In his speech, Schwabe emphasized that the COP29 conference was being held in Baku against the backdrop of severe human rights violations.
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The short film “Fragments”, by Iqbal Abilov, a Talysh researcher arrested in Azerbaijan, was shown on November 14 at the Madrid Indie Film Festival (MADRIFF) in the capital of Spain. The film was presented by the author's cousin, renowned stand-up comedian Idrak Mirzali-zadeh, who read a letter from Abilov to the festival participants. In the message, Abilov expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make the project possible. He also thanked those who continue to support him during his arrest due to his scientific and public activities. "I hope that justice will prevail soon, my innocence will be proven, and once I am released, I will come to Madrid and watch all the films at the festival," Abilov stated.
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On November 15, a telephone conversation took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke and the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Kremlin's press service reported. The two leaders discussed the "practical implementation of a number of mutually beneficial projects in the fields of industrial cooperation and transportation." The mutual interest in further comprehensive development of Russian-Azerbaijani strategic partnership and alliance was confirmed. It was agreed to continue contacts at various levels, according to the statement.
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Eco-activists from different countries held another action on the territory of the COP29 climate conference in Baku on Friday.
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