Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Union welcomed, on Wednesday, the ratification by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court yesterday, Tuesday. After the Armenian President signs the decision, it will enter into force.
A European statement in Brussels issued by the office of European Union Foreign Policy Coordinator Josep Borrell said, "The International Criminal Court is the first permanent international court established to investigate the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole and prosecute their perpetrators."
The European Union calls on all countries that have not yet acceded to the Rome Statute to do so. Every accession to the Rome Statute brings the international community closer to global participation and strengthens the common determination to end impunity and promote a culture of accountability.
Together with our international partners, the European Union will continue to work to strengthen the ratification and implementation of the Rome Statute and the integrity of the International Criminal Court.
Another European statement distributed in Brussels included the text of the speech delivered by the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, on behalf of Josep Borrell at the plenary session of the European Parliament, which stated:
The European Union is closely monitoring the worrying developments in Karabakh, and remains engaged at the highest level to help mitigate the humanitarian impact on civilians.
The European Union condemned Azerbaijan's use of force in Nagorno-Karabakh, which contradicts its previous assurances and commitment to seeking a diplomatic solution. The use of force instead of diplomacy is absolutely not justified.
As of this weekend, more than 100,000 Armenians from Karabakh have left their homes and sought refuge in Armenia. It remains unclear how many people will remain in Nagorno-Karabakh. The European Union expects Azerbaijan to meet the needs of Karabakh Armenians who remain on Azerbaijan's territory and provide them with the necessary humanitarian assistance and security. Those who fled to Armenia should be able to return home safely. Azerbaijan also needs to ensure and protect their cultural heritage and property rights.
The European Union stressed that there is an urgent need for transparency, access by international humanitarian actors and human rights.
We support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and await the results of the United Nations mission visiting Karabakh.
It is urgent to ensure that humanitarian support continues unimpeded to those who remain in Karabakh and to those who have left for Armenia.
The European Commission announced additional funding of €5 million for those in need. We are working closely with government agencies in both Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as with our local partners, so that the basic needs of Karabakh Armenians in both countries are covered – including food, hygiene supplies and short-term shelter. After that, financial assistance, housing and social and economic assistance must be provided.
We welcome Armenia's activation of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The European Union and its Member States stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance in line with identified needs.
Dear members,
As expressed by the rotating presidency of the Council, it remains crucial for Armenia and Azerbaijan to return to dialogue and demonstrate positive steps towards border demarcation, security, connectivity, humanitarian issues and a broader peace treaty.
Concrete actions and decisive compromises are needed on all tracks of this normalization process - along with real efforts on the part of all concerned. The European Union is ready to support this process.