I am deeply concerned at the escalation of violence along the line of contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Upon their accession to the Council of Europe, Armenia and Azerbaijan undertook to settle the conflict by peaceful means.

I call on the parties to respect their commitment and take all appropriate steps without delay to put an end to the escalation of violence, respect the cease-fire and renew dialogue under the aegis of the OSCE Minsk Group towards a negotiated solution.