Minsk Group Co-Chairs called for the resumption of presidential dialogue
23:02, 06 Feb 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the
Russian Federation, James Warlick of the United States of America, and
Pierre Andrieu of France) met with Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward
Nalbandian 5 February in Munich. The Personal Representative of the
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, also
participated in the meeting.
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.
In addition, we called for the resumption of presidential dialogue at
the earliest opportunity.
The Co-Chairs will travel to the region later this month.