Armenia stresses OSCE Mink Group role in Karabakh settlement

PanARMENIAN.Net - Acting Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian has noted the importance of restoring the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process within the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship.

Speaking to UN Secretary General António Guterres over the phone on Monday, May 10, Aivazian also emphasized the role of the co-chairmanship in addressing the consequences of the 44-day war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh (Karabakh).

One of the key topics of discussion between Aivazian and Guterres was the necessity of steps to mitigate the humanitarian and socio-economic situation in Artsakh in the wake of the conflict. The acting Foreign Minister detailed Armenia's cooperation with the specialized UN structures and stressed that Azerbaijan continues to politicize humanitarian issues and undermine the efforts of the international community.

Among humanitarian issues requiring immediate solution Aivazian stressed the return of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians who are being held captive in Azerbaijan.

The two also discussed the need to protect and preserve the historical, cultural and religious heritage in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the introduction of effective international mechanisms. Aivazian noted the unacceptability of the Azerbaijani side's behavior to block the implementation of an international expert mission to cultural sites that are under threat of disappearance.