In addition to the European Political Community summit held under the Spanish presidency, a 4-way meeting was held yesterday with the participation of Armenia. EU Council President Charles Michel, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a joint statement.  The statement emphasised the commitment to Armenia's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of its borders. The leaders expressed their support for issues such as strengthening EU-Armenia relations, increasing humanitarian aid to Armenia in the context of migration from Karabakh, and protecting the right of return of Karabakh Armenians.

"THE EU COUNCIL REMAINS COMMITTED TO NORMALISATION BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA"

"On the basis of mutual recognition of the sovereignty, inviolability of borders and territorial integrity of Armenia (29,800 km2) and Azerbaijan (86,600 km2), as stated in President Michel's statements of 14 May and 15 July 2023, (the leaders) remain committed to all efforts to normalise relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

They call for strict adherence to the principle of non-use of force and non-threat of use of force. (The leaders) emphasise the urgent need to work on the demarcation of the borders on the basis of the latest USSR General Staff maps provided to the parties, which is also the basis for the separation of forces, the conclusion of a peace agreement and addressing all humanitarian issues."

The statement made the following remarks about Turkey;

"The leaders called for increased regional cooperation and the reopening of all borders, including the border between Armenia and Turkey, and called for the opening of regional connectivity routes based on the principles of equality and reciprocity with full respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries."

The leaders also called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to release all detainees, to co-operate to determine the fate of missing persons and to facilitate demining.