ArmInfo.The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs expressed their readiness to resume working visits to the region, including Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding areas, to perform their assessment and mediation functions. This is stated in the statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co - Chairs-Igor Popov (Russia), Stephane Visconti (France) and Andrew Schofer (USA).
In a statement issued by the OSCE, it is noted that the co-chairs note with satisfaction the strengthening of the ceasefire and closely monitor the implementation of the agreement reached by the parties on November 9, 2020.
The Co-Chairs welcome the significant achievements regarding the return of the remains of the deceased and the progress on the resettlement of persons displaced by the conflict, the provision of humanitarian assistance and adequate living conditions, as well as the constructive discussions aimed at unblocking transport and communication links in the region.
The Co-Chairs remind the parties that additional efforts are needed to resolve the remaining problematic issues and create an atmosphere of mutual trust that promotes lasting peace. In particular, we are talking about: the return of all prisoners of war and other detainees, in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law; the exchange of all data necessary for effective demining of the conflict regions; the lifting of restrictions on access to Nagorno-Karabakh, including for representatives of rinternational humanitarian organizations; the preservation and protection of religious and cultural heritage; and the establishment of direct contacts and cooperation between communities affected by conflict, as well as other measures to build trust among people.
Taking into account the conditions of their OSCE mandate and the desire of all the peoples of the region for a stable, peaceful and prosperous future, the Co-Chairs emphasize that special attention should be paid to achieving a final comprehensive and sustainable settlement based on the elements and principles well known to the parties.
In this regard, the Co-Chairs call on the parties to resume the high-level political dialogue under the auspices of the Co-Chairs as soon as possible. They reiterate their proposal to organize direct bilateral consultations under their auspices so that the parties can jointly consider and agree on a structured agenda that reflects their priorities, without preconditions.
The Co-Chairs also express their strong support for the ongoing activities and possible expansion of the mission of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, and call on the parties to provide full access and support to his efforts. The Co-Chairs emphasize their readiness to resume working visits to the region, including Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding areas, to carry out their assessment and mediation functions. In this regard, the Co-Chairs remind the parties of the requirement to ensure runhindered access and maximum flexibility of movement with respect to the Co-Chairs ' travel routes, in accordance with their mandate and previous practice.
It should be noted that according to the media reports, Azerbaijan does not grant the mediators access to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin corridor. Baku insists that the co-chairs visit Karabakh through Azerbaijan in the future.