U.S.: Humanitarian crisis "on the way" in Karabakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States is taking note of the humanitarian crisis that is on the way, in the aftermath of a large-scale war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE James S. Gilmore III said Thursday, November 19.

"While the fighting has largely stopped, the humanitarian situation on the ground does remain dire.  The United States takes note of this humanitarian crisis that is on the way," the envoy said in his remarks before the OSCE Permanent Council.

"Conditions in the conflict zone are exacerbated by the global coronavirus pandemic and will certainly become more acute as the winter comes nearer and nearer. "

The diplomat urged the sides to work closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the OSCE’s Personal Representative to facilitate the exchange of detainees and the return of remains, as well as other steps agreed upon in Geneva on October 29.

"This protracted conflict has taken a terrible toll on local communities and we recognize that. The time for reaching a lasting peace is now.  We are confident the Minsk Group Co-Chairs can help the sides reach a lasting and permanent peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region," the envoy added.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev have signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Karabakh (Artsakh) President Arayik Harutyunyan has said he has agreed to the deal signed by Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan.