The increase of tension at the line of contact and the Armenian-Azeri border over the past year causes concern, proving the failure of the OSCE Minsk Group mediators to achieve progress in the Karabakh settlement talks, the U.S. Co-chair of the OSCE MG said, according to Azeri media.

In this context, James Warlick called on the conflicting parties to adhere to the ceasefire.

“The Co-chairs came up with suggestions which could help improve the status quo and boost safety; however, their offers were turned down. We’d also like the conflicting sides to consider our suggestions aimed to promote trust-building between the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities,” Warlick said.

As he further noted, the Co-chairs cooperate with the Foreign Ministers in preparing for the next presidential meeting. “I believe, meetings between the conflicting parties in the framework of peace talks are necessary. There are no specific dates set but the Co-chairs plan to visit the region in the near future,” Warlick said.

Commenting on a possibility of a meeting between the Armenian and Azeri Presidents and the Co-chairs at the oncoming Eastern Partnership summit in Riga, Warlick noted that no meeting has been planned. “But if the Presidents are willing to meet and discuss Karabakh peace process, the Co-chairs are always ready to assist,” he said.