James Warlick is concerned over violence between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops

OSCE Minsk Group’s U.S. Co-chair, James Warlick expressed deep concern over continued violence on the border between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, and its potential to damage the peace process. The US diplomat told about this Trend news agency.

“All sides should focus on reducing violence and rhetoric in order to improve the atmosphere for negotiations. Recent deaths and injuries show this is a dangerous conflict with no winners,” Warlick stated on April 11.

He stressed that OSCE and all of its institutions support the co-chairs’ efforts to help the sides to reach a peaceful settlement of this conflict.

Warlick added that the events in the region have only underscored the urgency of this task.

“The sides should seize this moment to take bold steps to advance the peace process – whether it is implementing confidence building measures or people-to-people programs, eliminating the use of force as an option once and for all,” he said.

Warlick also stressed that the co-chairs stand ready to help in any way they can.

“Theco-chairs and I are focused on helping the sides reach a fair and lasting settlement based on core principles of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and the elements outlined in our presidents’ statements over the last five years. Our neutrality is vital to that process,” the Minsk Group’s U.S. co-chair said.

James Warlick also touched upon the meeting of presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“The presidents agree on the need for further high-level talks, and we are working to help them reach agreement on a time and place, but it’s up to them. Their summit in Vienna last November was an important step for the peace process, and we look forward to following up soon on the substantive issues raised at that time,” he said.