Source: Bagramyan 26
Charles Michel’s statement following the trilateral meeting with Pashinyan and Aliyev:
Key Points:
▪️Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan once again fully reaffirmed their respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the other country. Based on this understanding, the territory of Armenia amounts to 29,800 square kilometers, and the territory of Azerbaijan is 86,600 square kilometers.
▪️Delimitation
Both leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to the Almaty Declaration of 1991 as the political basis for border delimitation.
I welcomed the meeting of the two border commissions that took place on July 12. Progress has been made in finalizing the statutes of these commissions and discussing the delimitation basis. It is crucial that the leaders agreed to activate and expedite the work of the commissions.
▪️Connectivity
Regarding transport routes, significant progress has been made in the past two months in discussions aimed at unlocking regional transportation and economic links. We discussed the conditions for future transport agreements that will respect the principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction, and reciprocity.
The construction of a railway connection should commence now. The EU is ready to provide financial assistance. Some details still need clarification, but positions on this matter are converging, and options are actively being explored.
▪️Humanitarian Transport
We discussed the situation of the Armenian population in Karabakh and the situation surrounding the Lachin corridor. The current situation is clearly unstable and not in the interest of either side. We also discussed possible concrete steps to help normalize the situation.
I emphasized the need to open the Lachin road. I also noted Azerbaijan’s readiness to equally ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance through Agdam. I consider both options important and call for humanitarian deliveries from both sides to meet the needs of the population. I also welcomed the resumption of the OSCE Minsk Group’s activities.
▪️Rights and Security
The local population needs reassurance, primarily in terms of rights and security.
In this context, I expressed encouragement for direct dialogue between Baku and representatives of Armenians residing in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. This dialogue should provide much-needed trust for all participants.
▪️Detainees
The leaders confirmed their commitment, based on a gentleman’s understanding, that the release of soldiers who inadvertently cross to the other side will be facilitated. I advocated for the release of detainees from both sides. The importance of closer cooperation in addressing the fate of missing persons and demining was also discussed, and I once again urged the parties to maximize the exchange of information.
I confirmed my intention to invite the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to another meeting in Brussels after summer and to another five-party meeting, including the leaders of France and Germany, in Granada within the framework of the next European Community.
