Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on Nagorno Karabakh

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has made the following statement:

"I would like to recall that the European Union does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which the "parliamentary elections" in Nagorno Karabakh will be held this Sunday. This event should not prejudice the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

I reiterate our firm support to the OSCE Minsk-Group, and the work of the three Co-chairs and their efforts towards a settlement of the conflict, and call on the parties to redouble their efforts to find a negotiated solution to the conflict. I recall the EU's readiness to offer further support to this
end. "

Published in Brussels on 21 May 2010.


Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton, on Moldova/Transnistria

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made the following statement:

"I very much welcome the aide memoire presented by the Moldovan Government, in which it confirms its readiness to further engage with all its partners in order to find a viable and sustainable solution to the Transnistrian issue, including with the help of the EU.

We will consider this constructive proposal with due attention and in close consultation with our partners in the 5+2 format.

We remain fully committed to the resumption of negotiations in the 5+2 format, without any preconditions or delay, and in full respect of the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

We invite all sides to support the efforts of the Republic of Moldova in implementing confidence building measures, for the benefit of the people living in the Transnistrian region."

Published in Brussels on 17 May 2010.