OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to provide "concrete proposals" on issues raised in Baku and Yerevan

The OSCE Minsk Group released the statement following the visit of french Co-Chair Stephane Visconti and U.S. Co-Chair Andrew Schofer to Baku (December 12-13) and Yerevan (December 13-14).

According to the statement, the sides provided their assessment of the situation on the ground and expressed their expectations on engagement with the Co-Chairs for the coming year. 

"Taking into account the new realities, the Co-Chairs affirmed their continuing commitment to engage constructively with the sides to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and to resolve outstanding issues," the statement reads.

Visconti and Schofer also committed to providing concrete proposals on issues raised during the meetings for future discussions between the sides.

Noting recent reports of incidents resulting in casualties, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group called on the sides to take additional measures to stabilize the situation in accordance with their commitments.  The Co-Chairs urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to complete as soon as possible the exchange of all detainees and accelerate the identification and repatriation of remains in coordination with the ICRC.  

Recalling the 3 December OSCE ministerial statement in Tirana by the Minsk Group Co-Chair country heads of delegation, the Co-Chairs reiterate their united position in favor of comprehensive and sustainable settlement of all remaining core substantive issues.  They also stressed the importance of engaging with international organizations to promote humanitarian assistance to populations affected by the conflict, as well as the protection of cultural and religious heritage.