OSCE PA concerned by escalation of tension on Armenian-Azerbaijani frontline

Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 26 By Anakhanum Hidayatova - Trend: The OSCE PA expressed its concern about the recent rise in tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani front-line and called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and demonstrate commitment to a diplomatic solution, Director of Communications OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Richard Solash told Trend. He was commenting on the recent escalations of tension on the frontline. The situation on the frontline remains tense, as the Armenian armed forces have broken the ceasefire with Azerbaijan 124 times during the last 24 hours. This while Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said in total 17 Armenian soldiers have been eliminated by the Azerbaijani side due to various provocations on the frontline in January. "The OSCE PA has repeatedly voiced its support for peaceful, diplomatic resolution to the conflict and supports the OSCE Minsk Group in its efforts to reduce tensions and work towards that resolution", he said. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently holding peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. Follow us on Twitter @TRENDNewsAgency