In Brussels, European Union diplomacy chief Josep Borrell delivered remarks following meetings with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, addressing recent clashes on the Armenia-Azerbaijan frontier. The discussion, reported by RIA News, focused on broader regional stability and the steps toward rebalancing relations in the South Caucasus.
Borrell underscored that the talks aimed to advance the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, while acknowledging the troubling border incident that had recently escalated tensions. He emphasized that the path to peaceful coexistence requires careful handling of provocations and a clear commitment to de-escalation, especially in border zones where misinterpretations can quickly spiral into broader confrontation.
The European diplomat noted that, although the Azerbaijani side deemed the on-ground events as a retaliatory response to an Armenian attack, the overall reaction among regional observers appeared disproportionate to the information initially provided by the Armenian Ministry of Defense. Borrell highlighted the importance of both sides adhering to established crisis-management mechanisms and allowing independent investigations to determine accountability.
Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan conveyed that the country’s Defense Ministry had instructed its forces to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate border tensions. The aim, as stated, was to prevent provocations from derailing dialogue and to maintain a climate conducive to sustained negotiations, even amid difficult incidents at the frontier.
Armenia has since reiterated its position that Azerbaijani forces faced mounting pressure at several border points, while Azerbaijan described the events as a targeted military operation in response to what it called an Armenian incursion on February 12, which allegedly injured an Azerbaijani border guard. Yerevan responded by promising a thorough investigation and promising to hold those responsible to account, stressing commitment to transparency and rule-of-law principles.
In the broader diplomatic exchanges, Azerbaijan has handed over an updated version of the peace framework to Armenia, signaling a continuing effort to finalize arrangements that could reduce the risk of further clashes. The exchange of proposals underscores the delicate balancing act facing regional leaders as they seek to reconcile security concerns with the political realities on the ground.
As the international community watches, the emphasis remains on preserving civilian safety, clarifying the facts through verified investigations, and maintaining channels for dialogue. The discussions in Brussels reflect a concerted attempt to align competing narratives and to advance a durable settlement that can withstand the pressures of time and regional ambitions. Observers in Canada, the United States, and beyond are closely monitoring how these dynamics unfold, recognizing that progress in the South Caucasus has implications for European security, energy corridors, and international norms regarding border management and conflict resolution.
Ultimately, the process hinges on restoring trust between Yerevan and Baku, strengthening international oversight, and keeping the focus on concrete, verifiable steps toward normalization. The parties have shown willingness to engage, but the road ahead requires patience, precision, and unwavering commitment to peaceful means of resolving disputes.