Azerbaijani MFA accuses EU top diplomat Borrell of unilateral pro-Armenian stance

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has condemned the recent unfounded accusations of European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrel against Azerbaijan.

"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," Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

“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.