ArmInfo. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has accused EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrel of a pro-Armenian stance.
"We condemn and reject the unfounded accusations against Azerbaijan by European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell, which he made on February 13 during a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan," reads an official statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.
"The justification by High Representative Josep Borrell of the Armenian side that committed military aggression is regarded by us as turning a blind eye to Armenia's military provocation. Unfortunately, after 5 months of stability, the EU ignores the wounding of an Azerbaijani serviceman as a result of sniper fire without any provoking factors.
The steps taken by Azerbaijan in response to the provocation were adequate and localised. These measures also prevented Armenia's attempts to expand military escalation.
Alongside, I would like to underline once again that the proposal of the High Representative of the European Union on the withdrawal of armed forces, which has no practical significance, is regrettable. The EU should bear in mind that the mercenaries deployed by Armenia in the border regions under the protection of the European Union mission pose a threat to the lives of the Azerbaijani military and civilian population.
It is inadmissible to refer to residents of Armenian origin who voluntarily left the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan as internally displaced persons. It is also inadmissible to use a non-existent name such as 'Nagorno-Karabakh' with regard to this region, which is Azerbaijani territory. The EU is well aware that the Azerbaijani side has repeatedly called on the Armenian residents to remain in their homes.
Once again, we note with regret that despite the peace-loving initiatives of EU Council President Charles Michel, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy adopts a unilateral pro-Armenian position, creates a gap between Azerbaijan and EU institutions and, consequently, completely isolates himself from the process of normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia," the statement reads.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell commented on the latest incident on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
"Azerbaijan's reaction to the possible shooting from the Armenian side was inadequate. It ignored the Armenian Defense Ministry's statement that the incident would be investigated. This once again emphasizes the urgent need to separate the troops from each other, which the EU has been advocating for a long time," Borrell said at a joint press conference with Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan in Brussels.
He noted that the EU stands for a stable and lasting peace between the countries based on the principles of sovereignty, inviolability of borders and territorial integrity.
"The EU civilian mission in Armenia has been expanded and we will continue to contribute to normalization efforts. We will continue to assist Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. We will continue to support Armenia and promote the integration of Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh into society," the European official said.