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“The only way to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is for the sides to return to the negotiation table in good faith,” OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger told an interview to Russian Interfax agency.

Responding to the question what steps need to be taken to improve the situation arounf the Nagorno Karabakh conflict Greminger said that the OSCE provides a forum for dialogue and supports the sides in working towards a lasting peace. “For this, there needs to be a genuine political will and commitment from the sides. Only the sides themselves can achieve a peaceful settlement – the OSCE cannot impose a solution,” said the OSCE Secretary General.

He next recalled the October 16 meeting in Geneva between the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, which was held under the auspices of the co-chairs of the Minsk Group and were the first direct talks at this level in more than a year.

“I welcome that the presidents agreed to take measures to intensify the negotiation process and to take additional steps to reduce tensions on the line of contact. It is absolutely essential for the sides to adhere strictly to the ceasefire regime established in 1994,” said the OSCE top official, adding the Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs, remains the only accepted format by the sides. It has the full confidence of all OSCE participating states.