Armenian FM, ambassadors of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries discussed post-war situation in Artsakh

YEREVAN, January 20. /ARKA/. Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian received on Wednesday representatives of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries - Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin, French Ambassador Jonathan Lacotte and US Ambassador Lynn Tracy.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry said they discussed a set of issues related to the post-war situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as regional security and peace issues.

The need to resume the Karabakh peace process within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship was stressed. Minister Aivazian pointed to the need for the full implementation of the fundamental principles of the conflict settlement, stressing in this context the right of the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) to self-determination and security.

Speaking about the implementation of the November 9 statement on the observance of the ceasefire in Artsakh and the deployment of peacekeepers, he emphasized as a priority the full and uninterrupted solution of humanitarian issues, in particular, the return of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages and other detainees held in Azerbaijan.

Aivazian and the ambassadors exchanged views on the humanitarian situation in Artsakh and steps taken to meet the needs of the Armenians of Artsakh. In this regard, the importance of the uninterrupted participation of international organizations, in particular the UN and its specialized agencies, was emphasized.

Ayvazyan also drew the attention of the ambassadors to the urgency of taking measures to preserve the Armenian cultural, historical and religious heritage in the territories of Artsakh under the control of Azerbaijan amid Azerbaijan's efforts to destroy the Armenian heritage or distort its identity.

The parties also exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual interest. -0-