Warlick is concerned about the rising tensions

Yerevan /18.02.15/ Turan-ArmInfo: Rising tension along the line of contact between Karabakh and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border threatens not only the efforts of the co-chairs, but also the obligations of the presidents of the two countries on the peaceful settlement of the conflict, the journalists in Karabakh  were told by the US co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group, James Warlick. "There are mechanisms that can reduce the likelihood of unintended incidents in the conflict zone, and we are promoting their use in order to stabilize the situation. The co-chairs presented the parties a number of proposals that are now being discussed as part of our visit to the region," he said.

At the same time, he noted that the co-chairs to discuss with the parties the recent increase in tension and violence that threaten the region. In his opinion, in the context of the ongoing violence is impossible to fix progress in the diplomatic arena.

"We also raise the question on the need to restore presidential meetings, in whose hands are the keys to the world. In addition, we attach importance to the beginning of negotiations on a comprehensive long-term solution. It is essential to have a stable negotiation process that could lead to the signing of the peace agreement," he said.

Warlick also believes that the return of two former residents of Kalbajar to Azerbaijan can become a humanitarian gesture that helps to reduce tensions, and build confidence between the parties. "Previously, the parties generally found a way to return the prisoners as a humanitarian step. In the current rising tensions similar humanitarian approach can help create a more favorable atmosphere for negotiations," he said. Asking the question on the possibility of participation of Karabakh in the  talks on  settlement, Warlick made it clear that Azerbaijan should give consent. "The first step for the parties is to express a willingness to enter into such negotiations," said the mediator. -02D-