OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Ready to Visit Karabakh, Demand Maximum Flexibility for Access and Movement

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the consolidation of the ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh. They noted that they are closely monitoring the implementation process of the agreement made on November 9, 2020.

“The co-chairs welcome the significant achievements in the return of the remains of the casualties, the ongoing progress in the resettlement of displaced persons due to the conflict, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and ensuring adequate living conditions, as well as constructive discussions aimed at the opening of transport and communication routes throughout the region for the purpose of unblocking,” the statement reads.

The co-chairs remind the parties that additional efforts are necessary to address the remaining issues and to create an atmosphere of mutual trust that promotes sustainable peace. “This includes, in particular, issues related to the return of all prisoners of war and other detainees, the exchange of all necessary information for the effective demining of the conflict areas in accordance with international humanitarian law, the removal of restrictions on access to Nagorno-Karabakh, including for representatives of international humanitarian organizations, the preservation and protection of religious and cultural heritage, the establishment of direct communication and cooperation between affected communities, as well as other confidence-building measures,” the statement emphasizes.

The co-chairs stress that special attention should be given to the final, comprehensive, and sustainable resolution of the issue based on elements and principles that are well known to the parties. “In this regard, the co-chairs urge the parties to resume high-level political dialogue under the auspices of the co-chairs as soon as possible. They reiterate their offer to organize direct bilateral consultations under their aegis so that the parties can jointly discuss and synchronize a structured agenda that reflects their priorities without preconditions,” the statement indicates.

The co-chairs also express their support for the ongoing activities and potential expansion of the personal representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and urge the parties to support his efforts. They highlight their readiness to resume working visits to the region, including Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent areas, to carry out their assessment and mediation functions.

In this regard, the co-chairs remind the parties of the need to ensure unimpeded access and maximum flexibility for the co-chairs in accordance with their mandate and past practice.