UN Secretary-General Encourages Armenian and Azerbaijani Governments and People to Initiate Dialogue

The United Nations Secretary-General's spokesperson issued a statement regarding Nagorno-Karabakh, in which the Secretary-General referred to the joint statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh made by the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Delegations on December 3. He welcomes the continued adherence to the ceasefire regime in accordance with the trilateral statement of November 9, urging the parties to continue fulfilling their commitments, particularly concerning international humanitarian law and human rights legislation.

The Secretary-General emphasized that the UN is prepared to respond to humanitarian needs in all areas affected by the conflict and is ready to expand ongoing assistance in Armenia and Azerbaijan as necessary. He called on all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the UN.

The Secretary-General urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume talks within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to achieve a sustainable peace settlement. He encourages both governments and peoples to start dialogue to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.