Russia, France and the United States issued a joint statement on this issue.
According to a report by TASS News Agency Vienna on December 3, the representatives of Russia, France and the United States, the Minsk Group on Nagorno-Karabakh of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe issued a joint statement on the 3rd local time, demanding that all foreign mercenaries withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh, and Baku and Yerevan should help promote the process.
In a joint statement, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, French Foreign Minister Ludrian and US Undersecretary State Bigan said: “The Minsk Group Co-Chairs demand the immediate and complete withdrawal of all foreign mercenaries in the region and call on all parties to assist in the withdrawal.”
According to the report, representatives reminded Azerbaijan and Armenia that they must abide by international humanitarian law, especially in the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of their remains. They stressed the importance of creating conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified and peaceful return of people displaced by the Naqqa conflict.
The statement said: “The ministers stressed the importance of protecting the historical and religious heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh and its surrounding areas. The Co-Chairs call on Azerbaijan and Armenia to cooperate fully with relevant international organizations in order to fulfil their obligations in these areas and ensure humanitarian assistance.”
The statement said: “The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue to fully abide by their commitments in accordance with the statement in the Naqqa region on 9 November and previous ceasefire commitments. The Co-Chairs stressed the importance of the ceasefire agreements adopted by Russia with Azerbaijan and Armenia.”
The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs also call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to conclude a long-term and reliable peace agreement. The statement said: “The Co-Chairs call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to use the current ceasefire agreement to reach a long-term and lasting peace agreement under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs.”
