OSCE urges Karabakh conflict parties to return talks under Minsk Group

The OSCE is concerned about the recent incidents along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border near Yeraskh/Sadarak.

In response to Factor.am’s request to voice the organization’s position on Azeri troops opening fire on Armenian positions near Yeraskh (the request was sent before the Gekharkunik incidents), the organization’s Communications and Media Department said: “We urge the parties to remain calm and restrained, to refrain from provocative actions, and to return to the talks led by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs as soon as possible.”

On July 19, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces kept the Armenian positions in the Yeraskh section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border for several hours. Grenade launchers were used regularly. The head of Yeraskh Radik Oghikyan was wounded.

The US State Department has expressed its concern over the border tension. “We are concerned about the recent incidents near the Armenian-Azerbaijani border near Yeraskh/Sadarak. The United States, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, is deeply committed to working with all parties to achieve a lasting political settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We urge the parties to return to the Minsk Group co-chairing talks as soon as possible,” the US State Department had said in a response to Factor.am.