OSCE Chair meets Co-chairmen of OSCE Minsk Group

VIENNA, 27 October 2000 - The Chairperson-in-Office today in Vienna received the Co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, United States, and France - who are continuing their efforts to facilitate a peaceful solution of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Nagorno Karabakh. They discussed recent developments in the region and prospects for the peace process.

The Chairperson-in-Office showed her satisfaction that the overall situation in the region is relatively calm and stable. In view of information on recent cease-fire violations, however, she shares the Co-Chairmen's assessment that it would be crucial now to strengthen the cease-fire regime and to implement additional confidence building measures. She calls on the parties to prevent any renewal of hostile activities.

The Chairperson-in-Office welcomes the commitment of Armenia's President Kocharian and Azerbaijani President Aliyev to continue their direct talks, following up their recent meetings in Yalta and in New York, and is looking ahead to possible new meetings.

The Chairperson-in-Office expressed her opinion that both countries should be admitted jointly and as soon as possible to the Council of Europe in order not to endanger the peace process. The Co-Chairs expressed their support for the Chairperson-in-Office's stance in this regard.

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43 1) 514 36 6180 or e-mail: info@osce.org