The European Union has called for an immediate end to hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh after a ceasefire was announced on Wednesday. A European Commission spokesperson expressed hope that the ceasefire would be implemented on the ground, stating that Brussels expects Azerbaijan to stop its military activities.
The ceasefire agreement came one day after Azerbaijan launched a new military offensive against the local Armenian government in Nagorno-Karabakh. Local officials have confirmed that representatives will meet in Yevlakh, Azerbaijan, on Thursday for negotiations.
European Council President Charles Michel urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to ensure the safe and dignified treatment of Karabakh Armenians, emphasising that their human rights and security must be guaranteed. He also called for immediate humanitarian access to the region.
Marina Kaljurand, chair of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, urged the EU to reconsider its relationship with Azerbaijan and consider sanctions. She also called for Europe to reduce its reliance on Azerbaijani gas and find alternative energy sources.
The ceasefire has sparked protests in Armenia, with demonstrators in Yerevan calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation. Security forces used stun grenades to disperse crowds, and some protesters expressed readiness to fight, accusing the government of weak leadership.
