Armenia deputy FM addresses at OSCE Annual Security Review Conference

• 06.30.2022, 11:48
•  Europe,  World,  Armenia,  NKR

The Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, during which Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan delivered an address, NEWS.am reports.

Reflecting on the security challenges in the OSCE region, the deputy FM noted that the use of force or the threat of using force, violations of arms control, and the use of foreign terrorist fighters and mercenaries in armed conflicts have called into question the OSCE's ability to ensure comprehensive security in the region of its responsibility.

It was noted that Azerbaijan's violations of the ceasefire established by the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement, steps to provoke a humanitarian crisis in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in March, and obstruction of the activities of the OSCE format for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict show that effective cooperation between OSCE countries and reaffirmation of OSCE fundamental principles and commitments is necessary to meet security challenges in the OSCE area.

Expressing support for the format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the Armenian deputy FM highlighted the latter's activities aimed at ensuring the fulfillment of the right of the people of Artsakh to decide their own future as a key goal of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The OSCE engagement in humanitarian issues was also highlighted—including the release of all Armenian prisoners of war and hostages in Azerbaijan, protection of Armenian cultural heritage, and addressing cases of forcibly disappearances and missing persons.

Within the framework of the ASRC, Armenian deputy FM Vahe Gevorgyan met also with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, during which matters of common interest were discussed.