European Council President Charles Michel urged Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders on Tuesday (November 16) to call for a “comprehensive ceasefire” after a new border conflict broke out between old enemies.
Michel said that he had talked with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nicole Pasinyan.
Michel did not attribute the “challenging situation in the region” to responsibility, but called for “emergency demotion and a complete ceasefire.”
He said on Twitter: “The EU is committed to working with partners to overcome tensions for a prosperous and stable South Caucasus.”
with @azpresident with @NikolPashinyan Discuss based on today’s development.
Call for an emergency demotion and a complete ceasefire.
The situation in the region is grim-the EU is committed to working with partners to overcome tensions and build a prosperous and stable South Caucasus.
-Charles Michel (@eucopresident) November 16, 2021
Earlier on Tuesday, Armenia reported that 15 of its soldiers had been killed and that it had lost control of two military positions near the border with Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan accused Armenia of instigating the conflict and claimed that two of its soldiers were injured.
Armenia asked Russia to help defend its territorial sovereignty over Azerbaijan. The two countries have a defense agreement, however, it will only be triggered when Armenian territory is attacked.
A year later, neighbours engaged in a six-week clash that killed more than 6,500 people and ended in a Russian-mediated deal. Thanks to Turkey’s assistance and military technology, Azerbaijan is clearly the winner of this conflict.
Worrying developments are happening because the European Union has hosted ministerial meetings in six countries participating in the Eastern Partnership, including Armenia and Azerbaijan.
