Thursday, December 2 2021 21:27

ArmInfo.On December 2, 28th Meeting of the OSCE  Ministerial Council was held, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat  Mirzoyan made the following statement: 

"Madam Chairperson,

Dear Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset I would like to join my colleagues in thanking the OSCE  Swedish Chairpersonship for steering the Organization throughout the  year.

One year after the war of aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against  the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and the conclusion of the November 9  Trilateral Statement, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and borders  between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains tense. Since May 2021  Azerbaijani armed forces have infiltrated across the borders of  Armenia. Up to now, they maintain and continue strengthening their  illegal presence on the sovereign territory of Armenia. 

By its aggressive actions Azerbaijan is flagrantly violating the  Charter of the United Nations and the principles of the Helsinki  Final Act. Needless to say, Azerbaijan's actions also violate its  obligations under the trilateral statement of 9 November on the  cessation of all hostilities.

Another feature of the use of force is a constant attempt of  Azerbaijan not merely to hold but capture Armenian servicemen and  civilians. Not only does Azerbaijan continue to ignore the calls of  the international community for the immediate and unconditional  release of all Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages, but  on number of instances, most recently on 16 November, its armed  forces captured more military personnel in the course of its attack  on the territory of the Republic of Armenia.  No pretext can justify  these violent actions. The continued presence of Azerbaijani armed  forces on the territory of Armenia is a factor of destabilization in  our region.

We hope that the November 26 trilateral meeting organized by the  Russian Federation will pave the way for undertaking certain measures  towards de-escalation of the situation in the region. 

Dear Colleagues,

The use of force has never been a way to peace in general and in  particular in our region.  The use of force can defreeze dormant  conflicts for a certain period of time but they will get frozen again  once there is no negotiated and peaceful solution. War can come as a  unilateral choice but peace always requires consent of all sides. 

Armenia is willing to achieve lasting stability in the South Caucasus  and is ready for negotiations to achieve that. 

The sooner Azerbaijan embarks on the resumption of the peace process,  the better will be chances to achieve comprehensive and durable  settlement in our region. The definition of the status of Nagorno-  Karabakh based on the realization of the right to self-determination,  the safe and dignified return of the displaced Armenian population  throughout the entire territory of Nagorno-Karabakh should be  substantive issues of negotiations. Equally, the resolution of  pending humanitarian issues such as unconditional return of all  Armenian POWs and all other captives, inquiry into the cases of  enforced disappearances, protection of cultural heritage necessitates  the strong engagement of the OSCE and its relevant mandates.  With  this in mind, Armenia will further contribute towards the resumption  of a full-fledged NK peace process under the auspices of the OSCE  Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in close cooperation with all OSCE Minsk  Group Co-Chair countries.

In closing, I would like to welcome Poland as an upcoming Chair of  the OSCE and wish them every success.  Thank you."