In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL on December 13, Charles Michel, the President of the EU Council, said that the European Union (EU) is working for the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia soon. "The Brussels negotiations are resuming," he added.

"The international community, including the European Union, is watching what is happening in this region because the more the South Caucasus advances in terms of security and economic development, it will be for the European Union and the world. For example, we think that the rights of ethnic Armenians to return to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, or at least to visit there, should be guaranteed. And by international standards, it should be ensured in terms of protecting the safety of national minorities. This should be guaranteed within the framework of protecting national minorities included in the Constitution of Azerbaijan. We are negotiating with both Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev to eliminate all difficulties. I sincerely believe that today's progress will be followed by further steps in the right direction toward the normalization of relations and the strengthening of security in this important region," he noted.

"Now, it is necessary to sign a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia to normalize relations. This peace agreement should be based on the delimitation of borders. This peace agreement can also be a good framework to improve regional transport links. This would have a positive effect on economic development in that region. As well as other countries, for example, Georgia. As for the Armenians of Karabakh, the European Union keeps this issue in full attention, we are making efforts in this issue. We are trying to convince the Azerbaijani side to openly demonstrate their goodwill in the matter of protecting the rights of national minorities and complying with international standards. I sincerely believe that as a result of these discussions, we can make progress on an issue that is a priority for the European Union," Michel emphasized.

He noted the opening of the communication channels: "I would specifically say that discussions are underway regarding various models of transport connections that will connect Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan. President Aliyev has repeatedly stated clearly that there is no territorial claim against Armenia. However, there are discussions about specific models. There should be such a model that the territorial integrity of Armenia is not violated. These are specific topics that are being discussed. It is an important topic because if we can solve this issue, we can achieve the strengthening of economic cooperation in the region and, thus, further economic development of the region."

Michel noted that the EU works closely with both parties: "On December 11, there was a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Relations and Security Policy. This shows that we are in constant contact with both parties. Soon, there will be a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. We are very active behind the scenes, working hard to make progress with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. The joint statement of Azerbaijan and Armenia took place because we partly participated in this work, helped them in this matter, and gave them certain proposals and ideas to bring their positions closer to the issues included in the statement. We continue to work on taking further steps towards the signing of a peace agreement. We are also working on organizing meetings that can take place in Brussels. But in our opinion, the outcome of the meeting is more important than the issue of the place. Peace, security, and prosperity are more important for the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as for us."