Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement continues to remain a priority with the European Union, European Council President said.

During his meeting with Armenian leader in Yerevan, Mr Herman Van Rompuy stressed trust as a key factor in finding a solution to the issue.

“It is with great concern that we take note of recent reports of serious armed incidents on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the Line of Contact. Military force will not resolve the conflict. Only a peaceful, negotiated settlement can allow the entire region to move beyond the status quo toward a secure and prosperous future. If a secure and stable regional environment can be prepared, stability, peace will bring benefits to all Armenians,” he stressed.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, in turn, stressed Armenia’s adherence to Karabakh conflict settlement in OSCE Minsk Group format and based on Helsinki Final Act. “Military rhetoric and border attacks are unacceptable in the 21st century,” the Armenian leader said. “We welcome EU readiness to help boost trust and establish peace in the region,” the president stressed.

The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, is on a regional official visit to the South Caucasus on July 3-5. The visit will start in Armenia on July 3-4, and then continue to Georgia and Azerbaijan.