The Karabakh conflict poses threat to regional security and is an obstacle towards development of Armenia and Azerbaijan, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said addressing the European Parliament on Tuesday.

“South Caucus is a crucial region for Europe and has a huge potential for growth,” she said, adding that a large-scale conflict will lead to nowhere.

Speaking about the latest escalation at the line of contact, Mogherini added that use of heavy weapons and huge number of casualties as well as statements from Baku and Yerevan pose serious danger.

EU foreign policy chief recalled that she had urged the parties to stop fighting and had a separate conversations with Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers to discuss the matter.

“The escalation makes it clear that there is no military solution to the conflict,” EU High Representative said, adding that especially targeting of the civilians must stop.

Mogherini called on the MEPs to contribute to the settlement of the conflict with the help of parliamentary contacts and civil society organizations.

However, she added that EU cannot settle with status quo, and the sides have to resume negotiations under mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group. At the same time EU foreign policy chief underlined that solution is in the hands of the parties, and new efforts are needed, especially security measures and investigation mechanisms that EU had endorsed.

The conflict settlement will continue to be a topic in EU conversations with the government of two countries, she concluded.