Yerevan/Mediamax/. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group called on Azerbaijan to observe its commitments to a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, James Warlick of the United States of America, and Pierre Andrieu of France met with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov in Krakow Janaury 27.

“We expressed to the Minister our serious concern about reported incursions across the Line of Contact and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, resulting in casualties. The rise in violence that began last year must stop for confidence to be restored and progress to be made in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. We called on Azerbaijan to observe its commitments to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. We also call on Armenia to take all measures to reduce tensions.  All sides must abide by the terms of the ceasefire agreement.Violence undermines efforts to bring about peace.

We discussed with the Minister possible next steps in the peace processs, including comprehensive negotiations that can lead to a lasting settlement which would benefit all the people of the region. We reminded the Minister of our mandates and expressed concern about voices critical of the ongoing negotiation process, the role of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the duties of OSCE monitors”, the statement reads.

Mediators also emphasized the importance of measures aimed at avoiding unintended incidents along the Line of Contact and Armenia-Azerbaijan border. They also discussed the implementation at the earliest opportunity of the Presidents' agreement to exchange data on missing persons under the aegis of the ICRC.

The Co-Chairs plan to meet with Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian in the near future and then travel to the region.