OSCE: We call on Azerbaijan to take steps to ensure people’s free movement through the Lachin Corridor

The OSCE made a statement in response to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. The statement reads։ “We firmly believe the only way forward is peace, dialogue, and the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

We appreciate the hard work it will take for both countries to peacefully resolve decades of conflict, and pledge our continued support for these endeavors.

To quote Secretary Blinken, ‘peace is achievable in the South Caucasus.’  We truly believe that. The United States attaches great importance to direct talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, to reaching a durable and sustainable peace agreement, to the normalization of relations, the delineation and demarcation of borders, to the opening of transport and communication links.

Doing the hard work now to ensure the rights and security of all persons in the Nagorno-Karabakh region will bring great dividends to Azerbaijan and Armenia.  We urge the sides to refrain from provocative, threatening, or hostile actions or rhetoric. As a starting point for improving security, we call on Azerbaijan to take steps to ensure constant gas and electricity supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as to ensure the free flow and movement of goods and people, including through the Lachin Corridor. In this respect, I urge Azerbaijan to adhere to the letter and spirit of the February 22 order by the International Court of Justice. Mr. Minister, the United States will continue to work with Azerbaijan and Armenia, bilaterally, multilaterally, and through partners such as the European Union and international organizations to help reach a durable and dignified peace.”