Statement of the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform on the Azerbaijan's Aggression in Nagorno Karabagh

Members of the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform (CSP), established under the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, condemn in the strongest possible terms, the heavy artillery shelling along the line of contact of Nagorno Karabagh launched by Azerbaijani armed forces on 19 September 2023.

As a result of the Azerbaijani attack, Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Defender of Nagorno Karabagh reported two casualties, including one child and 11 injuries, including eight children among civilians within the first hour of the attack. 

Members of the CSP note that Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabagh is not protecting the population of the region contrary to the obligations assumed under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2020. 

Furthermore, Members of the CSP stress that according to official reports from Nagorno Karabagh, Yeghtsahogh community with a civilian population of around 150 people has been cut from all communication and entrapped by the Azerbaijani armed forces. There are reports of entire villages being evacuated and towns subjected to air attacks. The latest official reports from Karabagh speak of 32 people killed (seven civilians, including two children) and at least 200 injured as a result of the Azerbaijani attack.

In this regard, Members of the CSP call on the EU institutions and the international community to take all measures to urge Azerbaijan to terminate the offensive in Nagorno Karabagh, to ensure human rights of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabagh, and to start negotiations with them under international mediation.