ArmInfo. The Co-Chairs of OSCE Minsk Group made a statement in connection with the latest developments in the region. The OSCE report particularly reads as follows:
"In the light of recent political developments in the region and the possibility of an escalation of the situation on the contact line between the armies, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs - Igor Popov (Russia), Stefan Visconti (France) and Andrew Chaufer (USA), emphasize the exceptional importance of the parties respecting the ceasefire in this delicate period and, in particular, the retention of heavy weapons in the rear.The Co-Chairs urge the parties to undertake urgent measures to reduce tensions and look forward to meeting with the parties as soon as possible, to renew intensive negotiations on the search for a long-term and peaceful settlement of the conflict, "the mediators said in a statement.
Earlier, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian appealed to the international community, first of all, to the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries, to make appropriate efforts to restrain Baku,to withdrawof Azerbaijani military equipment, artillery and armed forces from the front line and strict implementation of the ceasefire agreements of 1994-1995.
"Against the backdrop of domestic political developments in Armenia, Azerbaijan implements the accumulation of manpower, artillery and military equipment along the line of contact with Artsakh, which gives reason to assume a possible new adventure from Baku.
We continue to be sure that there is no alternative to a peaceful negotiating solution to the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict. The use of force can lead to unpredictable consequences for the entire region. Azerbaijan should not have illusions that in conditions of internal political events in Armenia it can encroach on actions against Artsakh and implement its aggressive intentions. In the issue of the defense of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian people are united and will not allow any encroachment on Artsakh. Armenia, as before, still stands behind Artsakh and is determined to ensure its security, "Nalbandian stressed.