European Parliament issues statement on Karabakh conflict

The European Parliament's standing rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Željana Zovko, the European Parliament's standing rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Traian Băsescu, and chair of the delegation, MEP Marina Kaljurand have issued a joint statement on the construction of a new highway between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

The statement called for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan.

The statement reads: "Announced last year, the construction of a third highway connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh will kick off soon. This new road infrastructure will connect Kapan, in Armenia, with Hadrut, in Nagorno- Karabakh, passing through the districts of Qubadli and Jabrayil, which are also occupied. As a matter of principle, we support projects that foster regional cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts in the Eastern Neighbourhood. That said, the decision to build this highway has been taken without the consent of the competent authorities of Azerbaijan –in violation of international law. Moreover, it could symbolically entrench the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and its surrounding districts. Therefore, we very much regret this initiative as it does not help to create conditions conducive to trust, peace, and reconciliation. We reiterate our unwavering support to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs' efforts and their 2009 Basic Principles. For this mediation to have a chance of success, we call on the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan to step up their commitment, in good faith, to the negotiation on the peaceful resolution of the conflict within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan."