YEREVAN – The European Union places great importance on ensuring that the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan continues in a calm and positive environment, building on past achievements and agreements made through various diplomatic formats, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia, Magdalena Grono, stated in an interview with Armenpress.
During her visit to Baku, Grono noted that she heard encouraging statements regarding peace and stability in the region, which often differed from public rhetoric.
“In our exchanges in Baku, I heard encouraging statements regarding peace and stability in the region. These were often different from what has been publicly stated, particularly concerning the continuation of the normalization process between the two countries. I believe that an important initial phase of normalization is already showing results: Azerbaijan and Armenia now have a structured and well-organized framework for their discussions, with a clearly defined and mutually agreed basis and scope. Now is the time to demonstrate the political will necessary to turn the page on conflict once and for all, agree on mutually acceptable solutions for all outstanding issues, and ensure a peaceful and more prosperous future for all people in the region,” Grono said.
Addressing concerns regarding Azerbaijan’s perception of the EU Mission in Armenia, Grono emphasized that the EU has no intention of creating new divisions, engaging in “zero-sum games,” or pursuing a hidden agenda in the region.
“I made it clear during my meetings that the EU does not intend to create new dividing lines, engage in ‘zero-sum games,’ or promote a ‘hidden agenda’ in the region. The EU Mission in Armenia was deployed following a sovereign request from the Armenian authorities. At all stages—before, during, and after its deployment—the EU kept Azerbaijani authorities informed. Given the sensitivities associated with third-party presence on the ground and the long history of conflict, I assured all interlocutors that we approach our role with the utmost responsibility,” she stated.
She firmly rejected accusations of espionage, stressing that such claims are disinformation and do not align with the mission’s mandate or objectives.
“We can, therefore, reiterate that all allegations regarding ‘spying activities’ or ‘destabilization objectives’ are disinformation and do not correspond to either the mandate and goals set for the mission or its operations. The EU Mission in Armenia is and will remain an exclusively civilian, unarmed mission,” Grono asserted.
Regarding the Crossroads of Peace project, the EU envoy stated that while its overall scope and fundamental principles are not widely contested, the specifics and implementation details still need to be fully agreed upon by both parties.
“Its overall scope and basic principles, I believe, are not really contested by anyone. However, the details and practical aspects still need to be fully agreed upon by the sides. It is indeed a useful and interesting framework, particularly as it provides a concrete vision of how a peaceful South Caucasus could function in the future. As a first step, I sincerely hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon agree on the modalities for cargo transit between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan and open up other regional communication links. Based on my discussions in the region and the statements made in Yerevan and Baku following the leaders’ meeting in Kazan on October 24, 2024, I believe an agreement is within reach—and we remain ready to support the parties in achieving it,” she concluded.