YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARTSAKHPRESS. OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani is calling on Armenia and Azerbaijan to address the demarcation and delimitation and the opening of communication lines.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Osmani said that today, but also previously, they spoke about Armenia’s concern regarding the Lachin corridor and its effect on the lives and livelihoods of the population.
“The ongoing situation and the Armenian-Azerbaijani context in general remains a top priority for OSCE but also for me as Chairman-in-Office,” Osmani said.
Before visiting Armenia, Osmani traveled to Azerbaijan.
“I’m here today following meetings yesterday in Baku, and as chair we aim for peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the disagreements that afflict and concerns Armenians and Azerbaijanis. We stand ready to continue our efforts through the OSCE existing mechanisms and structures and new ideas and approaches in order to achieve these goals. It is after all about people and this is why I will continue to encourage all parties to rely on dialogue and negotiation rather than force and coercion in resolving disputes. We stand behind any effort that provides positive dynamics in support of the full implementation of previously agreed measures and identification of new areas for agreement. I encourage addressing crucial issues such as demarcation and delimitation and the opening of communication lines. As OSCE Chairman-in-Office, I support any effort that leads to peace and all initiatives that facilitate dialogue, defuse tensions, boost trust and confidence leading to normalization of relations. Let me be clear and very open. I’m saying all this with the outmost humility of someone who has walked the walk, that’s because I come from a country that has gone through the ordeal of a conflict, country that had its share of open conflicts and open issues with neighbors. North Macedonia used multilateral negotiation platforms to resolve complex differences with its neighbors. In our experience the negotiation process can be complicated and difficult but the prospect of good neighborly relations and enduring stability and prosperity prevailed. We must look with hope to the future to see beyond our immediate concerns to glimpse the great things that can be achieved through strong leadership, good faith and political will. We are ready to share these experiences and support all parties in using the negotiation table, not the battlefield for dispute settlement,” Osmani said.
He reaffirmed the OSCE’s commitment to Armenia and its endeavors and aspirations to secure sustainable peace. “Rest assured that as OSCE Chairman-in-Office I will work to strengthen and deepen our cooperation promoting peace and stability in today’s era of uncertainty,” he added.
