EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby called the June 18 Azerbaijani provocation “a deplorable event”, demonstrating there is a tense situation along the line of contact. In his interview with RFE/RL, Semneby stated that it is necessary to take measures to lower tension and “to come to a negotiated solution on the issue.”

The EU representative refused to comment on the fact that Armenia called the attack a provocation, pleading the lack of a “first-hand information source”. “I don’t want to speculate about the reasons behind this incident,” he told RFE/RL.

As to Nalbandian’s assessment, Semneby noted that right words will be useful for necessary conditions.

Peter Semneby arrived on a visit to Armenia two days ago. He met with Secretary of National Security Council Arthur Baghdasaryan, NGO representatives and the leader of the oppositional Armenian National Congress Levon Ter-Petrosyan.

Semneby’s response to armed act of sabotage by Azerbaijan bewilders. EU official who is constantly visiting Baku did not even mention the main reason of the incident. Instead of condemning repeated warlike statements by Azerbaijani high ranking officials, Semneby proposed RA Foreign Minister to choose right words. It seems that running out Azerbaijani oil remains top priority for at least several Europeans.