The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs (Andrew Schofer of the United States, Igor Khovaev of the Russian Federation, and Brice Roquefeuil of France) have issued a statement. They view with deep concern the recent incidents in the region, including along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
The Co-Chairs call on the parties to take concrete steps for the immediate de-escalation of the situation. They also call on the parties to refrain from provocative rhetoric and inflammatory actions and to fully implement the commitments undertaken within the framework of the November 9 statement and other jointly agreed ceasefire arrangements.
The statement notes that the recent increase in tensions underscores the need for a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the remaining issues related to or deriving from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The Co-Chairs call on the parties to build on the progress achieved during the joint meetings of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan held under the auspices of the Co-Chairs in New York and Paris, continuing direct dialogue to contribute to security and stability in the region.
