Minsk Group Calls for Resumption of Talks

Following a meeting with Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan on February 5 in Munich, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group issued a statement calling for the resumption of peace talks between the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The statement of Co-Chair Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, James Warlick of the United States of America, and Pierre Andrieu of France read:

“We noted with alarm the rising number of incidents along the Line of Contact and Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including in civilian areas. We also discussed with the Minister proposed measures to reduce the likelihood of such incidents. In particular, it is imperative for the sides to take steps to prevent a repeat of the November 12 helicopter downing.

The violence and tensions between the sides underscore the necessity of starting comprehensive negotiations as soon as possible to reach a lasting settlement. We urged the Minister to show more flexibility so such negotiations can begin.

We raised the importance of implementing the Presidents' agreement now to exchange data on missing persons under the aegis of the ICRC. This data exchange can build trust between the sides and facilitate the reconciliation process.”

The February 6 statement went on to confirm that the Co-Chairs will travel to the region later in the month.

During their meeting on February 5, Nalbandyan had said “The Azerbaijani leadership is flagrantly disregarding calls by the international community and through its reckless policy and provocative actions is further exacerbating the situation and hampering the peace process.”

The Armenian foreign minister reiterated that Armenia will continue cooperating with the efforts of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

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Since the beginning of 2015, there have been a number of bloody clashes along the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border and the Karabakh-Azerbaijan Line of Contact resulting in a number of casualties for both sides.

On January 27, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs met with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. During that meeting, the Co-Chairs called on Azerbaijan to adhere to the ceasefire regime and desist from further provocative actions. The statement by the Co-Chairs following that meeting read:  “The rise in violence that began last year must stop for confidence to be restored and progress to be made in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.  We called on Azerbaijan to observe its commitments to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.  We also call on Armenia to take all measures to reduce tensions.  All sides must abide by the terms of the ceasefire agreement.  Violence undermines efforts to bring about peace.”