The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a written declaration on the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The declaration was signed by 44 deputies.
"Being convinced that a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has no alternative, the Parliamentary Assembly reiterates its continuous support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the only internationally agreed mediation format, to reach a lasting and just settlement of this conflict. Therefore, we urge to respect the continuous calls made by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs not to undermine their mandate and complicate the ongoing negotiations," the resolution says.
"We share the concerns regarding the increase of tensions in the conflict zone. The use of heavy weaponry, such as mortars and rocket launchers, is unacceptable and presents a serious danger to civilian population. We deeply regret the loss of lives, including civilians," the resolution adds.
"The creation of a mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations together with other proposals of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs on confidence building measures and consolidation of 1994 ceasefire agreement will contribute to the reduction of tensions and the creation of a more favorable atmosphere for advancing peace talks," Trend cited the document as saying.
It is reported that the foreign ministers agreed to contribute to the normalization of the situation in the South Caucasus.
Recall, on the night of April 2 all frontier positions of Azerbaijan were exposed to heavy fire from large-caliber weapons, mortars, grenade launchers and guns. In addition, Azerbaijani settlements near the front line, densely populated by civilians, were shelled.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20% of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US, are currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council's four resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
