The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in a declaration adopted on Sunday, July 9 urged the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group to redouble their efforts to find a sustainable solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

The PA noted with concern the renewal of hostilities in the South Caucasus, notably the recent violations of the ceasefire on the line of contact in the territories around Karabakh.

The Assembly expressed its deep regret over the lack of progress towards the settlement of the conflict and called on the parties to engage without further delay in substantive negotiations with a view to finding the earliest possible sustainable solution to the conflict.

Also, it urged the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group to redouble their efforts to that end.

Azerbaijan on July 4 violated the ceasefire on the contact line with Karabakh, using various caliber mortars and even employed a TR-107 rocket engine in the south of the frontline. Artsakh Defense Army opened retaliatory fire to suppress the rival’s attacks. During the incident, two civilians - a 52-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl from Azerbaijan - were killed.

Earlier, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs issued two statements calling for restraint and renewal of dialogue. Azerbaijan, however, continued violating the ceasefire, and three Karabakh servicemen received shrapnel wounds as a result.