OSCE Chairman discusses the situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, has expressed concern over recent incidents on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. In a tweet, Linde stated, "All unresolved issues must be resolved through peaceful negotiations. The OSCE is ready to assist and take confidence-building measures aimed at creating an environment conducive to dialogue."

Previously, UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stéphane Dujarric addressed the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, urging all involved parties to exercise restraint to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions further.

The United States has voiced concern over the recent developments, including the detention of several Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces, calling for the parties to resolve the issue immediately and peacefully. "We continue to urge Azerbaijan to immediately release all prisoners of war and other detained persons, reminding Azerbaijan of its obligations under international humanitarian law to treat all detainees humanely. The United States considers any movement in the undemarcated sections of the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan provocative and unwarranted. We reject the use of force for the purpose of demarcation, calling on both sides to return to their previous positions and to stop military fortifications and mine-laying along the undemarcated border. In particular, we call on Azerbaijan to move its troops back to positions as of May 11. We also urge Armenia to place its forces at positions as of May 11 and welcome statements made towards this goal. These actions will contribute to de-escalation of tensions and create conditions for the peace negotiation process aimed at demarcation. The United States is ready to support these efforts," the State Department's statement reads.

France has expressed deep concern regarding the frequent incidents occurring at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, particularly the detention of six Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces during the night of May 26-27. "France urges both parties to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from any provocations. The demarcation and delimitation of the border between the two countries must occur within the framework of negotiations, without actions on the ground," stated the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, in a phone conversation on May 27 with the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Toivo Klaar, reaffirmed the call for Armenia and Russia to resolve all emerging issues peacefully through negotiations. "Russia is ready to continue providing any assistance necessary for this process," noted the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement.