In a statement issued by the President of the Council of the European Union on September 1, Charles Michel, the President of the Council of the European Union, stated that he continues to work intensively on the progress of the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The statement said that Charles Michel's efforts, supported by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Toivo Klaar, have been focused on solving the humanitarian situation of Armenians in Karabakh as a priority. "Special Representative Klaar and President Michel's team are in regular contact with representatives of the Armenians of Baku, Yerevan, and Karabakh to develop a solution for opening access," the statement said.

It is noted in the statement that Charles Michel proposed a step-by-step approach that would reflect the full operation of the Lachin corridor and the sequence in opening the Aghdam Road. "The sequence of these steps and the type of cargo to be delivered through these routes, as well as the accompanying procedures, have been the basis of recent discussions. The EU firmly believes in the opening of the Lachin Corridor in accordance with past agreements and the International Court of Justice decision and notes that the use of the Aghdam road can also be part of a concrete and sustainable solution to ensure the supply of urgent and daily basic needs," the statement added.

The EU side also emphasized the importance of Baku clarifying the procedures related to the movement of Karabakh Armenians to and from Armenia through the Lachin corridor. "In parallel, the discussions are also focused on restoring electricity and gas supply to Karabakh Armenians as soon as possible. In addition to the state of emergency, the EU side stressed the importance of looking at the past of the conflict in order to facilitate the achievement of a long-term sustainable solution. In this regard, the dialogue between Baku and the representatives of the Armenians living in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province will be of great importance. The rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians should be ensured, and discussions on concrete methods should begin as soon as possible. Dialogue is needed to strengthen trust and confidence between Baku and Karabakh Armenians," the message noted.

The statement also emphasized that the European Union has provided international support to this process, as well as various proposals for participation in the region to support the implementation of the agreements reached. "All the above efforts have only one goal: to ensure the once-and-for-all normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan for the benefit of all people on earth. In light of today's escalation, now is the time for bold compromise solutions," the statement said.

On the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan commented on Charles Michel's statement regarding the region's situation. "After the negotiations as a result of the discussions at the tripartite meeting held between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, it was agreed on the issues of the delivery of goods to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan by various routes, as well as the intensification of the use of the Lachin road in parallel with the opening of the Aghdam-Khankendi road," the report said.

"Unfortunately, from July 15 until today, Armenia and its so-called regime continue to prevent the implementation and advancement of this agenda agreed within the mentioned tripartite meeting, nullifying the efforts of the European Union and other international partners in this direction. Azerbaijan offered peace to Armenia based on mutual recognition and respect of each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders by the two countries. On the other hand, Azerbaijan is determined to reintegrate the residents of Armenian origin living in the Karabakh region as equal citizens by ensuring their rights and freedoms provided for in the Constitution of Azerbaijan. In addition to demonstrating its commitment to all these directions, Azerbaijan also reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity by all legal means provided by the UN Charter and other universal documents of international law in the context of the ongoing military and political provocations of the Armenian side," Azerbaijan Foreign Affairs Ministry informed.