EU welcomes release by Azerbaijan of 15 Armenian detainees and handing over by Armenia of minefield maps

The European Union welcomes the release by Azerbaijan of 15 Armenian detainees and the handing over by Armenia of maps of mined areas on 12 June, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative, said in a statement issued on 13 June. These actions were facilitated by Georgia.

“These are important humanitarian and confidence building gestures by Baku and Yerevan that will hopefully open the path for further cooperation between the sides and the ultimate release of all Armenian detainees, as well as the handing over of all available maps of mined areas to avoid further civilian casualties,” Borrell said.

The High Representative reminded that the European Union and other international actors have actively encouraged moves in this direction. “We urge further cooperation between the countries involved,” Borrell added.

According to the statement, the EU will continue to promote a durable and comprehensive settlement of the conflict, including where possible through support for stabilisation, post-conflict rehabilitation, and confidence building measures. The European Union also reiterates its call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to reengage in substantive negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

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