Minsk mediators called on the parties to the Karabakh conflict to  respect the ceasefire

ArmInfo. The Co-Chairs of  OSCE Minsk Group made a statement in connection with the latest developments in the region. The OSCE report particularly reads as  follows:

"In the light of recent political developments in the region and the  possibility of an escalation of the situation on the contact line  between the armies, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs - Igor Popov  (Russia), Stefan Visconti (France) and Andrew Chaufer (USA),  emphasize the exceptional importance of the parties respecting the  ceasefire in this delicate period and, in particular, the retention  of heavy weapons in the rear.The Co-Chairs urge the parties to  undertake urgent measures to reduce tensions and look forward to  meeting with the parties as soon as possible, to renew intensive  negotiations on the search for a long-term and peaceful settlement of  the conflict, "the mediators said in a statement.

Earlier, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian appealed to the  international community, first of all, to the OSCE Minsk Group  co-chair countries, to make appropriate efforts to restrain Baku,to  withdrawof Azerbaijani military equipment, artillery and armed forces  from the front line and strict implementation of the ceasefire  agreements of 1994-1995.

"Against the backdrop of domestic political developments in Armenia,  Azerbaijan implements the accumulation of manpower, artillery and  military equipment along the line of contact with Artsakh, which  gives reason to assume a possible new adventure from Baku. 

We continue to be sure that there is no alternative to a peaceful  negotiating solution to the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict. The use of  force can lead to unpredictable consequences for the entire region.   Azerbaijan should not have illusions that in conditions of internal  political events in Armenia it can encroach on actions against  Artsakh and implement its aggressive intentions. In the issue of the  defense of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian people are united and will  not allow any encroachment on Artsakh.  Armenia, as before, still  stands behind Artsakh and is determined to ensure its security,  "Nalbandian stressed.