29 Jul 2021 20:30

OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs urge Armenia, Azerbaijan to begin direct bilateral talks under mediators' auspices

YEREVAN. July 29 (Interfax) - The co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group for settling the Karabakh conflict have urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to begin direct bilateral talks under the auspices of the mediators.

"The Co-Chairs view with concern recent incidents along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reports of casualties and the loss of life. The Co-Chairs call upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to de-escalate the situation immediately, refrain from provocative rhetoric and actions, and implement fully their commitments under the November 9 statement and other jointly agreed ceasefire arrangements," a statement by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs published on the OSCE website said.

The co-chairs reiterate the need for a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining core substantive issues of the crisis and urge the parties to return to talks under the auspices of the co-chairs as soon as possible, the statement said.

"They reiterate their proposal to organize direct bilateral consultations under their auspices, in order for the sides to review and agree jointly upon a structured agenda, reflecting their priorities, without preconditions," it said.

The co-chairs also reaffirmed their strong support for the ongoing efforts of the personal representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office and his team.