OSCE MG statement urges adherence to ceasefire after rise in violenceFebruary 20, 2015 - 17:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group summed up the results of their recent visit to the region in a statement: “The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, James Warlick of the United States of America, and Pierre Andrieu of France) traveled to the region on February 16-19. They were joined by the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk. The Co-Chairs met with the Presidents, Foreign Ministers, and Defence Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the de facto authorities in Nagorno Karabakh. The main purpose of the Co-Chairs’ visit was to appeal to the sides to strictly adhere to the ceasefire after a dangerous rise in violence in January. In their discussions with the Co-Chairs, the sides confirmed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The Presidents also agreed to consider proposals from the Co-Chairs that could strengthen the ceasefire. The Co-Chairs discussed with the Presidents and Foreign Ministers next steps towards a settlement, as well as preparations for a future Presidential meeting later this year. While in the region, the Co-Chairs met with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to discuss issues related to missing persons as a result of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. They noted the importance of the agreement reached during the Presidential Summit in Paris in October 2014 to exchange information on missing persons under the auspices of the ICRC.” Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. |