In a joint presser held today with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that the shooting of an Azerbaijani soldier by Armenia is "deplorable" but he added that he found the response of Azerbaijan to be "disproportionate".
He reiterated that EU is advocating for the distancing of force and is committed to "supporting a sustainable and lasting peace."
"We discussed the regional situation and the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process. Unhappily, including the latest incident at the border. The Armenian shooting of Azerbaijani soldier yesterday was deplorable. But Azerbaijan response today seems to be disproportionate. Ignoring the announcement by the Armenian Minister of Defense that this incident will be fully investigated. This- it again illustrates the urgent need for the distancing of forces, which is something that the European Union has been advocating for a long time. And today I have to reiterate the European Union full commitment to supporting a sustainable and lasting peace.
Based on the principle of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Our mission in Armenia, the European Union Mission in Armenia has recently been reinforced with a stronger a bigger number of staff. And will continue to contribute to ensuring an environment conducive to normalization efforts. We will continue supporting the Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh region. Today, the commission announced an additional €5.5 million in humanitarian aid. This funding comes in addition to the 12.2 million already provided in September to address the urgent humanitarian needs, as well as 15 million budget support for the socio-economic needs of Armenia. We will continue supporting Armenia in the medium and long term for the integration of refugees in your society and economy", Borrell said.
