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EU Ambassador to Armenia Andrea Victorin said they were very grateful to the authorities for giving them the opportunity to visit Gegharkunik. It is always very important to see everything with their own eyes, she told reporters in Gegharkunik.

She said their job is to take notes and send them to headquarters. She thinks it's clear that civilian infrastructure was targeted. They have seen this, this includes the Kut community building and the school. They have seen residential buildings, agricultural infrastructure. The ambassador thinks that's deeply troubling. She thinks the most important thing is that people are frightened. The prime minister mentioned that quite clearly in his speech today. And the fear that it [the attack - ed.] could happen again leads to a situation where one is no longer active. And it really can be very dangerous.

The ambassador noted that she understands very well the situation of the people living here. She thinks it's a very difficult situation. Andwhat they always say is that violence should never become a means of solving the problem. They need to go, sit down at the negotiating table, discuss, and then a solution will be found. A military solution is not a solution, she said.

The Ambassador also answered the question of what the international community and the West must do to stop Azerbaijan, which continues to violate the ceasefire despite all appeals of the international community.

The ambassador said she's a diplomat and she works for an organization that wants to help solve the problem. There is only one way to solve the problem is to sit down and negotiate. The EU will continue to do so, that's the only way out, Andrea Victorin said.

The journalists also asked why the international community has not reacted in any way to the atrocities committed by Azerbaijanis, particularly against Armenian female soldiers.

The Ambassador noted that the EU representative gave an answer to this question and added: Naturally, it has to be proven. A war crime must be investigated and that's it. That's the answer. She understands that it is hard, that everyone is in a bad mood, they are scared, but nevertheless she believes that they must continue and show that Armenia can and continues to work.

Journalists were also interested in how the EU can help and support in solving these humanitarian problems that have arisen as a result of Azerbaijani aggression. The ambassador said the EU is quick to respond to these issues, and just as quick to respond after the war.

They are now in talks with the EU headquarters. They will make certain changes in the programs implemented in the humanitarian sphere. As Victorin said, they are now discussing with USAID the details of how they can solve the problem of landmines. Naturally, they will continue their big projects related to economic development. Last night she was shocked to learn that young people had been killed. Yesterday there was a conference on technology and science, which is such a positive momentum, because the country attracts a lot of attention, many people come to participate in this conference, which is supported by the EU, Germany, GIZ, the ambassador said.

There was a question about whether the ambassador personally saw the consequences of the atrocities and what her assessment of it all is. Andrea Victorin said to be precise because she didn't see the atrocities here, she saw the damage, the destroyed buildings.

Andrea Victorin said It was horrible. She had also seen some pictures the video. It's unacceptable. It should be investigated according to international principles. As for the next issue that is sure to be raised by someone, it is about missing persons and prisoners, they are working and will continue to work in that direction. One of their partners is the United States, and there are other member states that they are working with. They're not giving up because this humanitarian component has to get done, she said.

Asked about the fact that while the international community is working on many issues, the Azerbaijanis are returning the bodies of prisoners to Armenia, the ambassador said she understands that perfectly well, while noting that it should be understood that their role here is subsidiary. The only thing they can promise you is that they will never give up, they are working together with France on this, and through their joint efforts some have returned, but unfortunately, maybe not in the way they would like to receive them, she said.

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