This gives new impetus to the efforts of maintaining the ceasefire regime: David Babayan
The addressed statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs gives new impetus to the efforts of maintaining the ceasefire regime, Davit Babayan, spokesman of the President of Artsakh, told Armenpress.
“This is a very positive development. We have always said it’s time for the statements to be addressed and tough. Perhaps this is the first time such collective and addressed statement is released, and it is clearly stated that on May 15 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime, striking military equipment, and as a response the Artsakh side had to take countermeasures. This shows that a new impetus is given to the efforts of maintaining the ceasefire regime,” Davit Babayan said.
According to him, if the statement is addressed, there is a concrete assessment, things are named accordingly, it serves a base for the launch of new process. In other words, the one who violated the ceasefire must be held accountable.
“The statement of the OSCE Minsk Group indicates that all are interested in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Aliyev’s adventurism, the attempt to distract his society’s attention from domestic problems through such dangerous means is unacceptable. I think this statement will be followed by respective processes, maybe, they will not be public, and it is not necessary at all. The international community will more clearly and insistently present its stance,” Babayan said.
The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Ambassadors Igor Popov of Russia, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States of America released a statement on May 18 regarding the escalation in the region which resulted from Azerbaijan’s actions. The statement says according to information collected from multiple reliable sources, on 15 May, Azerbaijani armed forces fired a missile across the Line of Contact, striking military equipment. On the evening of 16 May and continuing into 17 May, Armenian armed forces retaliated with mortar fire of various calibres. These actions by both sides represent significant violations of the ceasefire and are cause for alarm.
