Sweden Will Continue to Support Efforts for Long-Term Resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Sweden, which will assume the presidency of the OSCE at the end of this year, will continue to support efforts to achieve a long-term and sustainable resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde made this statement in response to questions from members of the Swedish Parliament Björn Söder and Robert Halef, as reported by Armenpress.

"The government welcomes the fact that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on a ceasefire. We are now trying to obtain more information about the agreements reached and their implementation. It is clear that the conflict is not over, and many issues remain to be resolved. This is why the OSCE and the international community must remain committed to a lasting, long-term negotiation process. At the end of the year, when I take over the presidency of the OSCE, I will continue to support these efforts," Linde stated.

She added that hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone have been intense, resulting in suffering for people and significant damage. "Sweden condemns attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The norms of international humanitarian law must be respected. The humanitarian situation is very important. Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to leave the conflict zone, and residential areas, civilian facilities such as schools and hospitals have been destroyed," the Swedish Foreign Minister emphasized.

According to her, the situation has been further complicated by the spread of coronavirus, to which the authorities cannot adequately respond due to ongoing hostilities.