Attacks on Civilians Are Unacceptable Under Any Circumstances: OSCE Minsk Group

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group are calling for the protection of civilians in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone in accordance with international obligations.

According to a statement released by the co-chairs on October 2, they strongly condemn the ongoing violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict area, as well as against objects outside the line of contact in Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing concern over reports of increasing civilian casualties.

"Attacks or threats against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances," the statement asserts.

The co-chairs urge the parties to fully comply with their international obligations for the protection of civilians. They also emphasize that the involvement of external parties in the escalation of violence undermines efforts to achieve stable peace in the region.

Citing a statement from the presidents of the three co-chair countries on October 1, the co-chairs once again call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of substantive negotiations without preconditions. They urge for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to ensure the return of the remains of fallen servicemen in coordination with the OSCE and the ICRC.