The RFE/RL Armenian Service has learned some details from Friday’s videoconference between the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and France, as well the President of the European Council.

During the conversation, European Council President Charles Michel and French President Emanuel Macron reaffirmed their full commitment to efforts to reduce tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a senior Brussels official told RFE/RL, adding that the European Union (EU) remains committed to continuing to work with all parties in order to build a stable, prosperous, and secure South Caucasus.

Referring to the content of this videoconference, the aforesaid European diplomat noted that the leaders relied on the progress made since their meeting in Brussels last December; in particular, on the recent release of captives, joint efforts to find the missing, and the forthcoming reopening of the regional railway.

Also, the parties discussed various domains where the EU can provide assistance. In particular, Brussels offers assistance to humanitarian efforts, the immediate release of all detainees, and determining the fate of the missing, as well as assistance with demining—and through expert advice, financial assistance, and additional measures.

In addition, the EU expresses readiness to provide consulting assistance to build and assist in the means of regional communication, while emphasizing that these means must fully respect the sovereignty of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Technical assistance is also offered to contribute to additional visible steps being taken to reduce tensions on the ground in the context of the delimitation and demarcation process on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

Brussels is resolute also in contributing to the protection of the region’s cultural and religious heritage—and by assisting the deployment of a UNESCO assessment mission in Armenia and Azerbaijan, a senior European official told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity.

Armenia PM, Macron, Charles Michel, Aliyev have videoconference