OSCE envoys propose Armenia-Azerbaijan bilateral consultations

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have reiterated their proposal to organize direct bilateral consultations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

In the wee hours of July 28, the Azerbaijani armed forces attacked the Armenian positions in Gegharkunik province, triggering local battles. Three Armenian troops were killed, five others were wounded in the process, the Defense Ministry said, adding that the Azerbaijani forces have been thwarted back to their positions. The Azerbaijanis fired on Armenian positions on July 29 too, injuring one more soldier.

Stephane Visconti of France, Andrew Schofer of the United States of America, and Igor Khovaev of the Russian Federation issued a statement on Thursday, July 29 and said they view with concern recent incidents along the Armenia - Azerbaijan border, including reports of casualties and the loss of life. The co-chairs called upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to de-escalate the situation immediately, refrain from provocative rhetoric and actions, and implement fully their commitments under the November 9 statement and other jointly agreed ceasefire arrangements.

"The co-chairs reiterate the need for a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining core substantive issues of the conflict and urge the parties to return to negotiations under the auspices of the co-chairs as soon as possible. They reiterate their proposal to organize direct bilateral consultations under their auspices, in order for the sides to review and agree jointly upon a structured agenda, reflecting their priorities, without preconditions," the statement reads.

"The co-chairs reconfirm their strong support for the ongoing efforts of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and his team."