Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains high on EU agenda

The conflicts in the European Union's Neighbourhood - in Nagorno Karabakh, in Transistria, in Abkhazia and South Ossetia - are perhaps the most concerning obstacles to progress, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton believes.

"We expect our Eastern partners in the region to do their utmost to make progress towards peaceful settlement, a strategic priority for the EU, just as we are making specific, dedicated efforts to address the many challenges these conflicts pose. Progress here will mean progress in our relationship as a whole," she said in a statement on Tuesday ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit.

"Clearly, Nagorno-Karabakh remains high on our agenda. In support of the Minsk Group, we are in dialogue with all the parties, to help them find a shared solution," the statement, shared by EU press-service, reads.

The conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Ashton referred to recent appointment of Philippe Lefort, French diplomat, as the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.

"His mandate includes contributing to the peaceful settlement of conflicts in accordance with the principles of international law, working closely with all partners involved," she said.


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