Joint Statement
Joint Statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
We, the Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group's Co-Chair countries --
France, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America -
are convinced the time has arrived for all the sides to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to take a decisive step towards a peaceful
settlement.
We reiterate that only a negotiated settlement can lead to peace,
stability, and reconciliation, opening opportunities for regional
development and cooperation. The use of force created the current
situation of confrontation and instability. Its use again would only
bring more suffering and devastation, and would be condemned by the
international community. We strongly urge the leaders of the sides to
prepare their populations for peace, not war.
As a result of efforts by the parties and the Co-Chair countries at
all levels, significant progress has been made. The latest version of
the Basic Principles, as discussed in Sochi on March 5, lays a just
and balanced foundation for the drafting of a comprehensive peace
settlement. This document, based on the Helsinki Final Act and
elements outlined in our joint declarations in L'Aquila in July 2009
and Muskoka in June 2010, provides a way for all sides to move beyond
the unacceptable status quo.
We therefore call upon the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to
demonstrate their political will by finalizing the Basic Principles
during their upcoming summit in June. Further delay would only call
into question the commitment of the sides to reach an agreement. Once
an agreement has been reached, we stand ready to witness the formal
acceptance of these Principles, to assist in the drafting of the peace
agreement, and then to support its implementation with our
international partners.
