The European Union continues to follow with concern the challenging situation created after the mass emigration of Karabakh Armenians following the military operations of Azerbaijan on September 19 and 20 and the nine-month blockade of the Lachin Corridor. Almost the entire population of Nagorno Karabakh, more than 100,600 people, have found refuge in Armenia, the EU reports.
"It is imperative to provide continued unhindered humanitarian assistance to those still in need in Karabakh and those who have left. Last week, the European Commission announced an additional package of humanitarian assistance of €10.45 million, on top of the €20.8 million already provided since 2020.
Azerbaijan must ensure the human rights, fundamental freedoms, and security of Karabakh Armenians, including the right to live in dignity in their homes without intimidation or discrimination, and create conditions for their voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return, respecting their history, culture and human rights. In addition, the local population's cultural heritage and property rights must be effectively protected and guaranteed.
In this regard, we remind you that Azerbaijan must implement the interim measures specified by the European Court of Human Rights on September 22, that is, refrain from taking such measures that may lead to the violation of its obligations under the Convention, in particular, Article 2 (right to life ) and Article 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment).
We took note of President Aliyev's public statements about his readiness to live peacefully with Karabakh Armenians and to preserve their rights. Azerbaijan has clear primary responsibility for the fate of the population. Tangible, concrete, and transparent guarantees must be provided. As an important confidence-building measure, we expect a comprehensive amnesty for all Karabakh Armenians, including their representatives, and restraint from all sides on harsh rhetoric.
International access to Karabakh is crucial for providing the necessary assistance and ensuring independent monitoring of the situation on the ground. The European Union has taken note of the last two UN visits. We appreciate the work of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Migration and Refugees, who assists the Armenian authorities in managing this mass exodus to their territory.
We look forward to the fact-finding mission of the Council of Europe, led by the Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, and its further recommendations.
The EU reaffirms its support for the sovereignty, inviolability of borders, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and Armenia. We call on Azerbaijan to reaffirm its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of Armenia by the 1991 Almaty Declaration. The EU remains committed to facilitating dialogue between the two sides to ensure a comprehensive and lasting peace for the benefit of all the region's peoples."
