OSCE Minsk Group evaluates situation in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

VIENNA, 7 April 1995 - The following statement was issued today in Stockholm by the Co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group on Nagorno Karabakh:

The delegations of those states members of the Minsk Group participating in the meeting in Stockholm on 6-7 April, 1995, evaluated the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They welcome the fact that the cease-fire has continued in force for almost eleven months. The confirmation at the highest level of the leadership of all the parties to the conflict of their intention to continue to support the cease-fire regime is also welcome. At the same time, the delegations express their concern at recent incidents both on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and on the line of contact as well as frequent explosions on communication lines leading to the region of conflict.

In view of the situation in the region and the state of the negotiation process, it is imperative that all concerned pay particular attention to preventing a resumption of hostilities. The parties must make full use of the mechanism of direct contacts for settling possible incidents that was agreed on 6 February this year.

The delegations demand that the parties to the conflict conduct negotiations without preconditions, on a political agreement on the cessation of the armed conflict and the elimination of its grave consequences. The negotiations should be held in a spirit of open and constructive dialogue, and include the "dual track" approach agreed upon. The reluctance of the parties to compromise is a source of concern to the OSCE and its participating States. This reluctance has an adverse effect on their attitude towards the conflict, in particular the preparations for a multinational OSCE peacekeeping operation.

Delegations express support for the efforts of the Co-Chairmanship with respect to confidence-building measures, particularly in the humanitarian sphere, in co-operation with the ICRC, and for the implementation of the agreement of 11 February as well as the proposals regarding the release of all hostages and prisoners by the first anniversary of the cease-fire on 12 May, 1995. Delegations noted with satisfaction the appeals for the release of hostages and prisoners which parliaments of member states had adopted and sent to the region.

There remains an urgent need for the dispatch to the region both of a Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office and of OSCE field representatives. These representatives will provide substantial support to the peace process.

Delegations stressed the value of the co-operation within the Co-Chairmanship of the Mink Conference and the co-ordination of its mediatory efforts. On the eve of the transfer to Finland of the function as one of the Co-Chairmen of the Minsk Conference, the delegations to the Minsk Group expressed their appreciation to the representatives of Sweden for their work during their period as Co-Chairman.

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The OSCE Minsk Group, which will culminate in the convening of the Minsk Conference, is active in the process leading to a peaceful political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Conference, to be held in Minsk, will provide an ongoing forum for negotiations toward a lasting settlement of the crisis. The full Minsk Group has twelve Member States: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Germany, United States of America, Belarus, France, Hungary, Italy, Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. Sweden and the Russian Federation currently hold the Co-chairmanship.