July 24, 2006 - 14:38 AMT
Political Will Essential for Ceasefire Maintenance
The proposal for ceasefire strengthening at the NKR and Azeri armed forces' contact line made by the OSCE Minsk Group was signed by Armenian Defense Minister Sargsyan, commander of the NK army Babayan and Azeri Defense Minister Mamedov. It came into force February 6, 1995. "The agreement was not an improvisation. Its mechanism was item by item discussed with the top officials of the conflicting sides. The readiness of the parties could be proved by the fact that the document was signed the same day upon receipt," said OSCE MG former Russian Co-chair Vladimir Kazimirov.

Vladimir Kazimirov underscored that the agreement was not a panacea, but it helped to alleviate the situation and take adequate measures on the spot. "Nothing but political will was essential for it," he said.

To note, the proposals on strengthening the ceasefire were sent by Vladimir Kazimirov to the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents on February 3, 1995. The consent of the parties was received February 4, 1995 from the Defense Ministers of all the conflicting sides.