Written declaration No. 603 | Doc. 14030 | 19 April 2016

Peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Signatories: Mr François ROCHEBLOINE, France, EPP/CD ; Ms Brigitte ALLAIN, France, SOC ; Lord Donald ANDERSON, United Kingdom, SOC ; Mr Piet De BRUYN, Belgium, NR ; Mr Tuur ELZINGA, Netherlands, UEL ; Mr Nigel EVANS, United Kingdom, EC ; Mr Samvel FARMANYAN, Armenia, EPP/CD ; Mr Bernard FOURNIER, France, EPP/CD ; Mr Martin FRONC, Slovak Republic, EPP/CD ; Ms Darina GABÁNIOVÁ, Slovak Republic, SOC ; Mr Gerardo GIOVAGNOLI, San Marino, SOC ; Mr Pavol GOGA, Slovak Republic, SOC ; Mr Jean-Pierre GRIN, Switzerland, ALDE ; Mr Jonas GUNNARSSON, Sweden, SOC ; Mr Andrej HUNKO, Germany, UEL ; Mr Tedo JAPARIDZE, Georgia, SOC ; Mr Michael Aastrup JENSEN, Denmark, ALDE ; Ms Lotta JOHNSSON FORNARVE, Sweden, UEL ; Ms Naira KARAPETYAN, Armenia, EPP/CD ; Ms Nellija KLEINBERGA, Latvia, ALDE ; Ms Manana KOBAKHIDZE, Georgia, SOC ; Ms Dalia KUODYTĖ, Lithuania, ALDE ; Ms Stella KYRIAKIDES, Cyprus, EPP/CD ; Mr Pierre-Yves LE BORGN', France, SOC ; Ms Inese LĪBIŅA-EGNERE, Latvia, EPP/CD ; Mr George LOUCAIDES, Cyprus, UEL ; Mr Dirk Van der MAELEN, Belgium, SOC ; Mr Gidi MARKUSZOWER, Netherlands, NR ; Ms Olivia MITCHELL, Ireland, EPP/CD ; Mr Thomas MÜLLER, Switzerland, ALDE ; Mr Killion MUNYAMA, Poland, EPP/CD ; Ms Oľga NACHTMANNOVÁ, Slovak Republic, SOC ; Ms Hermine NAGHDALYAN, Armenia, EC ; Mr Nicos NICOLAIDES, Cyprus, SOC ; Mr Mark PRITCHARD, United Kingdom, EC ; Mr René ROUQUET, France, SOC ; Mr Armen RUSTAMYAN, Armenia, SOC ; Mr Mher SHAHGELDYAN, Armenia, EPP/CD ; Mr Valeri SIMEONOV, Bulgaria, EC ; Ms Petra De SUTTER, Belgium, SOC ; Mr Dominik TARCZYŃSKI, Poland, EC ; Ms Kristýna ZELIENKOVÁ, Czech Republic, ALDE ; Ms Naira ZOHRABYAN, Armenia, EC ; Mr Levon ZOURABIAN, Armenia, ALDE

This written declaration commits only those who have signed it.

Being convinced that a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has no alternative, the Parliamentary Assembly reiterates its continuous support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the only internationally agreed mediation format, to reach a lasting and just settlement of this conflict. Therefore, we urge to respect the continuous calls made by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs not to undermine their mandate and complicate the ongoing negotiations.

We encourage all sides to undertake decisive steps and show the necessary political will to reach a negotiated settlement based on proposals of the Co-Chair countries – France, USA and Russia -outlined in five statements at the level of their presidents made since 2009. We share the concerns regarding the increase of tensions in the conflict zone. The use of heavy weaponry, such as mortars and rocket launchers, is unacceptable and presents a serious danger to civilian population. We deeply regret the loss of lives, including civilians.

The Creation of a mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations together with other proposals of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs on confidence building measures and consolidation of 1994 ceasefire agreement will contribute to the reduction of tensions and the creation of a more favorable atmosphere for advancing peace talks.