During an interview on August 4, Toivo Klaar, the Special Representative of the European Union for the South Caucasus, discussed the negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the EU's efforts towards normalization. 

Klaar emphasized that the return of Karabakh Armenians to their homes is Azerbaijan's responsibility. "The EU's position on the issue is clear, and my expectation is that Karabakh Armenians will be part of the normalization process and direct negotiations will be held between Baku and them regarding their safe and dignified return to their homes," he stated. The Estonian diplomat noted that sometimes other issues, such as the "Western Azerbaijan" issue, are brought up in this context, but these should not be conflated. "The first is to facilitate the return of Karabakh Armenians to their ancestral lands, which is the responsibility of Azerbaijan. The second is the issue of Armenians who previously lived in other parts of Azerbaijan, including Baku, or Azerbaijanis living in Armenia," Klaar explained.

On August 5, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by criticizing Klaar, who is ending his mandate. The ministry described his views on Karabakh Armenians as 'biased.' The ministry stated, "Despite the repeated appeals of the Azerbaijani side for the Armenian residents to stay in their homes and their return, it is well known to Toivo Klaar, who has been appointed ambassador, that the Armenians do not intend to return to the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan."

The ministry emphasized Azerbaijan's respect for Armenians who are willing to return and acknowledge the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. "Making such prejudicial statements on the eve of his departure from office is, first of all, another blow to the reputation of the institution he represents by an EU official," the ministry's statement read. Baku asserted that it is unacceptable for the EU representative to consider the issue of the return of Armenians as a special case and condition the right of return of Azerbaijanis who were forcibly expelled from the territory of current Armenia.