EU Not Considering Sanctions Against Azerbaijan, Borrell Says

The European Union is not considering the possibility of imposing sanctions against Azerbaijan in connection with the situation surrounding the Lachin Corridor, EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell stated in response to a question from European Parliament member Assita Kanko.

“Sanctions are one of the tools of the EU to advance the goals of our common foreign and security policy, and in this case, they are not being taken into account,” Borrell said.

According to him, the EU's efforts are aimed at finding solutions through dialogue, to which the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have committed. Borrell noted that since early December 2022, the EU has been closely monitoring the events surrounding the Lachin Corridor and their humanitarian consequences, with representatives of the bloc in contact with both parties.

He emphasized that the EU has called on Azerbaijan to take measures within its authority to ensure freedom and security of movement through the corridor in accordance with the commitments made under the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020.

Borrell also commented on the upcoming deployment of the EU Observation Mission (EUMA) in Armenia. “The mission's purpose is to contribute to stability in Armenia's border areas, build trust, and create a secure environment, which will facilitate the EU-supported efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he said.