OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs call for body of soldier Gurbanov, killed in Dec, to be immediately returned to Azerbaijan
BAKU. Jan 10 (Interfax) - The French, U.S. and Russian co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group have called for the body of Azerbaijani serviceman Cingiz Gurbanov still being held by the Armenian side to be immediately returned to Azerbaijan, the organization said in a statement.
"Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable and are contrary to the acknowledged commitments of the Parties, who bear full responsibility, not to use force. The Co-Chairs urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to strictly observe the agreements reached during summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016," it said.
The co-chairs also urge the return of the Azerbaijani soldier's body in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010.
"We call upon the Parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground," the statement said.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said earlier that an Armenian Armed Forces reconnaissance group had been ambushed by Azerbaijani army units as the Armenian group attempted to cross into Azerbaijan early on December 29.
Azerbaijani solider Cingiz Gurbanov was killed in the incident. His body is still being held in the Armenian side. Azerbaijan has asked international organizations to help secure the return of Gurbanov's body.