One week ago, a long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan flared up again resulting in military escalation. The Nagorno-Karabakh region constitutes the center of the conflict. The disputed territory is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan and has an Armenian ethnic majority which in February 1988 declared their de facto independence, which has not been recognized up to date.

AEGEE stands for the values of democracy and strives for a diverse and borderless Europe. We believe in mutual understanding and breaking borders, both physical and mental. Borders can be broken in dialogue, respectful exchange of opinions and peaceful resolution processes. Thus, we firmly believe that military interventions can by no means be considered a solution to settle any type of dispute.

Therefore, AEGEE strongly condemns any acts of violence carried out in the Nagorno-Karabakh region by the involved actors. AEGEE vigorously opposes any military activities and solutions leading to a saddening death toll among the parties engaged and the civilian population.

AEGEE joins and supports the European Union, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the UN, and the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum in their positions calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to the negotiation table.

Read more of AEGEE’s statement here.