The
paper said the EU could reconsider political engagement,
financial assistance and sectoral cooperation, without being
more specific. It does not mention Azerbaijan's energy sector.
Azerbaijani forces seized control of the enclave - populated
mainly by ethnic Armenians - last month, triggering an exodus of
more than 100,000 people to Armenia.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and many leaders of the
27-nation bloc condemned the operation. But diplomats say there
are disagreements among EU countries over whether to take firmer
diplomatic or political action.
The EU's search for a response is complicated by its moves to
rely more on Azerbaijani oil and gas as it has moved away from
Russian energy due to Moscow's war in Ukraine.
The paper, prepared by the European External Action Service and
seen by Reuters, outlines further possible reaction but is
cautious in tone.
It says that if the situation deteriorates, the EU could
consider a review of its relations with Azerbaijan "on the basis
of a gradual approach".
"In case serious human rights violations are committed,
restrictive measures against individuals responsible for such
violations could be envisaged," the paper said.
Decisions on EU sanctions generally require unanimity among
member countries.
A diplomat from a country favouring a tougher stance toward
Azerbaijan, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the
document "reflects a balance of different positions of member
states: We want more, but others do not want anything at all."
Diplomats say France, Germany and the Netherlands are among
those pushing for strong signals of disapproval toward Baku
while others such as Austria and Hungary are at the opposite end
of the spectrum.
A second diplomat said the EU may not end up doing much more
than condemning Azerbaijan's action and instead focus on
supporting Armenia, economically and possibly with military aid.
The paper suggested the EU consider "political and economic
actions to further support the democratically elected
authorities of Armenia, including in the area of security and
resilience, and the continuation of the democratic reforms".
(Reporting by Andrew Gray and John Irish; writing by Andrew
Gray, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
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