What Did the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Announce This Time

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have issued a statement in response to the increase in tensions at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. According to the Armenian Ministry of Defense, Armed Forces personnel of Azerbaijan attempted to breach the state border of Armenia towards Tavush using a UAZ vehicle. Gunfire has been reported at the border since yesterday.

Co-chairs Igor Popov (Russia), Andrew Schofer (USA), and Stefan Visconti (France) made the following announcement: “According to the Ministries of Defense of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as other sources, there has been a serious violation of the ceasefire along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on July 12-13, resulting in casualties. It is reported that artillery weapons of various calibers have been used by both sides. The co-chairs and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Andzej Kasprzyk, express their regret over the human losses and extend their condolences to the families of the victims.”

They are in direct contact with Armenian and Azerbaijani officials. Both sides are blaming each other for being the first aggressor. The Minsk Group co-chairs condemn the recent violations of the ceasefire regime and call on both parties to take all necessary measures to prevent further escalation, including utilizing existing communication channels.

The co-chairs also urge both parties to resume the negotiation process as soon as possible and emphasize the importance of the OSCE mediators arriving in the region as circumstances permit.