The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) calls on the European Union to actively engage for peace in the Nagorno Karabakh region and provide concrete assistance to communities affected by recent flare-up of violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
"COMECE expresses concerns about the situation in the south Caucasus, currently marked by fragile truces interrupted by armed clashes, causing not only grave material damage, but also spiritual suffering," the statement posted on the organization's website reads.
"While joining Pope Francis’ prayers for a lasting peace in the region, COMECE welcomes the humanitarian assistance provided by the European Commission to cover the needs of civilians affected by the conflict, and calls on the EU to actively contribute to the OSCE-led negotiation efforts involving all conflict parties and regional stakeholders," COMECE added.
In this context, General Secretary of COMECE Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto appealed on the EU to ensure the protection of places of worship and the safety of all local communities.
