Field assessment mission needed in regions occupied by Azerbaijan

“The OSCE field assessment mission must be also conducted in NKR regions under control of the Azerbaijani occupation troops,” Hayrenik NKR parliamentary faction said in a statement.

“We don’t accept any biased approach in the negotiation process on the Nagorno Karabakh settlement since it hinders the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

We have repeatedly said that we see the settlement of the conflict within OSCE Minsk Group, expecting an unbiased approach from the Co-chairs. Meanwhile, we strongly believe that any initiative by the mediators must meet the interests of all sides involved in the conflict.

So, we consider necessary holding of OSCE field assessment mission also in the NKR regions of Martuni, Martakert, some sectors of Shahumyan, as well as Getashen under control of the Azerbaijani occupation troops.

We must say that a similar mission conducted in the very territories in February, 2005 yielded no progress as it was one-sided and did not correspond to the essence of the mission.

Therefore, we must not expect any positive results if the second field assessment mission of OSCE does not continue in the Armenian territories occupied by Azerbaijan.

Such missions do not contribute to peaceful settlement of the conflict, moreover, they increase tension in the region, with the unconstructive position of the Azerbaijani authorities getting stronger. Periodic violations of ceasefire on the contact line by Azerbaijan, constant bellicose statements of the Azerbaijani authorities and annual increase in the military budget testify that Azerbaijan does not seek a peaceful settlement of the conflict but tries to break down the negotiations.

Particularly, we must say that the Azerbaijani authorities keep rejecting the three fundamental principles (self-determination of nations, territorial integrity and non-use of force) offered by the Co-chairs.

We regret to say that the Co-chairs never give any political assessment to Azerbaijan’s disregard of the permanent efforts of OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries and MG Co-chairs towards peaceful settlement of the conflict. Azerbaijan’s violation of the agreements reached at the tripartite presidential meeting in Sochi and its terrorist threats to the civil aviation go beyond any political and humanitarian limits.

Condemning Azerbaijan’s bellicose policy, the Azat Hayrenik party urges OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs to be unbiased in their initiatives and assessments, maintaining the vote of confidence for the sides of the conflict,” the statement said.