Azernews.Az

BAKU – OSCE chief Audronius Azubalis told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that growing tensions over the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are "worrisome".

Azubalis, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, said the OSCE role in pursuing a settlement of the prolonged conflict "through greater engagement" by the co-chairs of the mediating OSCE Minsk Group will be maintained.

"I will invite the conflict parties to implement confidence-building measures, including immediate withdrawal of snipers from the line of contact [between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops], and strengthening OSCE monitoring activities."

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a precarious cease-fire in 1994. Armenian armed forces have since occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno Karabakh, defying international calls and UN resolutions. A ceasefire accord was signed in 1994, but years of peace talks, brokered by the United States, Russia and France through the Minsk Group, have been largely fruitless so far.

Azubalis stressed further that the OSCE’s Lithuanian chairmanship will work to reduce tensions and build trust among affected communities in the South Caucasus.

"We will urge all participants to take full advantage of the Geneva framework to develop measures to improve security and alleviate humanitarian needs."

Outlining the goals of his country’s 2011 OSCE chairmanship, Azubalis said that among the highest priorities will be seeking progress in the resolution of unresolved conflicts.

"We will fully respect the norms and principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter, as well as the Helsinki Final Act."

Azubalis also underlined the importance of cooperation between the UN and OSCE in maintaining regional peace and security.