Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE)

April 15 2005

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs voice concern at growing tension between
Armenia and Azerbaijan

VIENNA, 15 April 2005 – The three-Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group,
which deals with the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, have issued a
statement expressing their joint concern at the recent rise in the
number of incidents resulting in more casualties along the front
lines. Their statement reads:

The Minsk-Group Co-Chairs, concerned by the growing tension between
Armenia and Azerbaijan as a result of the significant increase,
during recent weeks, of ceasefire violations along the front lines,
resulting in higher numbers of casualties, as well as by public
statements about the possibility of war, deem it appropriate to
recall that:

* these violations are causing needless loss of life and jeopardizing
the cease-fire;
* references to war are complicating current efforts to elaborate a
peaceful settlement of the conflict, are fueling feelings of hate in
the population of both countries, and are not preparing the people to
live as neighbors rather than enemies.

At this sensitive juncture, where a first step towards an agreement
mediated by the Co-Chairs could be at hand in the framework of the
discussions between the parties, the Co-Chairs strongly urge them:

* according to the obligations undertaken by the sides in February
1995, to reinforce the cease-fire on the line of contact and refrain
from any public statements that could lead to escalation of the
conflict;
* to recognize that a renewal of hostilities cannot provide a lasting
solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict but would be disastrous for
the population of both countries, resulting in loss of life, more
destruction, additional refugees and displaced persons, and enormous
financial costs that would undermine the economic development of both
countries;
* to prepare their populations for a balanced negotiated agreement
that will require compromise on both sides.

The Co-Chairs encourage the sides to focus their efforts on the
ongoing discussions of the Foreign Ministers with the Co-Chairs
during the meetings planned in London mid-April and in Frankfurt at
the end of April, in preparation for the next meeting between the two
Presidents envisaged in mid-May.

Co-chairs:
Amb. Yuriy Merzlyakov, Amb. Steven Mann, Amb. Bernard Fassier
(Russian Federation , United States of America, France)