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“We share Mr. Jagland’s view on the concept of “Democratic Security”, according to which the democracies are less likely to go to war,” said Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian during the 126th Session of the Committee of the Ministers of the Council of Europe.

“Obviously, authoritarian regimes do not face such a dilemma. Such case was most recently witnessed in early April when Azerbaijan launched large-scale military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in many killed and wounded, along with gross violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” the Minister said.

According to the press and information department of the Foreign Ministry, Nalbandian presented the consequences of the Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh in April, also speaking about the Vienna meeting.

Nalbandian also noted that the Co-Chair countries in their joint statement insisted on the importance of respecting the 1994 and 1995 ceasefire agreements. The Presidents reiterated their commitment to the ceasefire and the peaceful settlement of the conflict. The Presidents also agreed to the expansion of the existing Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman in Office. 

“This could pave a way for resumption of the negotiations for the resolution of the conflict. Up until now Azerbaijan has been continuously hindering the implementation of such proposals of the Co-chair countries and even reached agreements. We hope that this time Azerbaijan would not deceive the hopes of the Co-Chair countries and the expectations of the international community,” the Minister said.

“We appreciate recent initiatives to discuss the subject of ensuring human rights in conflict zones. Armenia has been vocal in condemning hate speech and xenophobia, especially the kind, used in a political discourse. Combating these phenomena has been a priority for Armenia during our Chairmanship at this Committee and it continues to remain as such,” the Minister concluded.