OSCE Co-Chairs on Suspension of Monitoring Activities in the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Zone

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have issued a statement regarding the temporary suspension of the OSCE monitoring mission in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone due to the spread of coronavirus.

Co-Chairs Igor Popov (Russia), Stéphane Visconti (France), and Andrew Schofer (USA) urge the parties to remain committed to their ceasefire obligations and to refrain from provocative actions that could exacerbate the situation in the region.

According to the OSCE's official website, "Considering that the medical resources in the region should be directed solely toward combating the spread of the infection and treating those affected, we call on the parties to exercise maximum restraint to reduce the risk of tension, including by using existing direct communication channels. Despite strict travel restrictions, the Co-Chairs will continue their mediation efforts without interruption, maintaining contact with each other as well as with the parties involved."

Earlier, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk, announced that due to the coronavirus, the OSCE is halting monitoring activities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. In a statement released by Kasprzyk, it was noted that the current situation stemming from the spread of coronavirus has led to the closure of international borders and the limitation of personal interactions.

"Given the above and consulting with the parties, monitoring activities will be suspended until the lifting of restrictions," said Kasprzyk. He also mentioned that he continues to maintain contact with the relevant military authorities.