Statement by Chair of DSCA, MEP Marina Kaljurand on the renewed military escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Statement by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina KALJURAND,

on the renewed military escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Brussels, 4 August 2022 - "I am appalled by the recent serious breaches of the ceasefire on the Nagorno-Karabakh line of contact and in particular the military operation launched by Azerbaijan on 3 August around the Lachin corridor and in the north-western section. As admitted by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence, its operation included airstrikes by UAVs and resulted in the capturing of a number of advantageous new positions beyond the line of contact.

I deplore the loss of life on both sides and urge an immediate halt to the use of force. I call on all actors to show utmost restraint and stress that all military units must retreat to their positions in line with the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020.

Azerbaijan and Armenia have a historic opportunity to end decades of conflict and lay the foundations for a peaceful and prosperous region. I urge all parties concerned to avoid any actions undermining trust and threatening the negotiations at this crucial point in time."