Minsk Group Co-Chairs Address Tensions at Armenia-Azerbaijan Border

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Stefan Visconti (France), Andrew Schofer (USA), and Igor Khovaev (Russia), have issued a statement regarding the tensions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

"The co-chairs are seriously concerned about the recent incidents occurring along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reports of casualties. The co-chairs call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to immediately de-escalate the situation, refrain from provocative rhetoric and actions, and fully implement the commitments undertaken in the November 9 statement and other joint agreements on the ceasefire. The co-chairs reaffirm the necessity for a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable resolution of all outstanding key issues and urge the parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible under the co-chairs' auspices.

They reiterate their proposal to organize direct bilateral consultations under their auspices for the parties to review and agree on a structured agenda that reflects their priorities, without preconditions. The co-chairs reaffirm their strong support for the continued efforts of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office's Personal Representative and his team," the OSCE Minsk Group statement reads.