"The Co-Chairmen have been always stressing in their statements that the
political leaders should start preparing societies for peace. They also
always stress the importance of engaging actively the societies in
confidence-building initiatives. It is admirable that the Co-Chairmen
themselves are taking concrete steps to engage with civil society. It is a
step that should be welcomed and appreciated. Many civil society leaders
across the region welcome opportunities for such direct engagement.

Experience in successful peace processes in other places in the world show
that civil society can play very important role in peace building processes.


In the Nagorno-Karabakh case, it is a responsibility of the leaders and the
societies to take courageous steps towards achieving peaceful settlement.
The Minsk Group Co-chairmen could only facilitate this process. I hope that
such meetings continue and turn into a constructive engagement. And I also
wish that the political leaders in the region take more proactive steps in
engaging with their societies. " Dessislava Roussanova

Stepanakert civil society representatives met MG OSCE Co-Chairmen during their last Feb. 27 - Mar. 2 visit.