EU: Karabakh population has experienced excessive suffering

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union deplores that violations of a humanitarian ceasefire continue as the population in Nagorno-Karabakh has already experienced excessive suffering, High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell said in a statement on Sunday, October 18.

Borrell said the EU welcomes the joint announcement of a humanitarian ceasefire by the sides to the conflict, although Azerbaijan launched a fresh offensive against Karabakh just several hours into the truce.

"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," Borrell said.

"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."

Borrell said the EU will continue to monitor the situation.

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey and Syrian and Libyan mercenaries deployed by Ankara, started a war against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. Foreign and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages.