OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Personal Representative Andrzej Kasprzyk stated increase in number of ceasefire violations and number of victims as compared with the previous year.

“Every casualty is a tragedy, not least for the families of those affected. My team and I are regularly monitoring the front lines, last on May 19 and June 10, and the reports we receive during these exercises are consistent with this picture. The incidents occur in a specific location, however the tension then spreads along the lines,” he told Trend agency.

He added that several worrying incidents on the Azerbaijani-Armenian contact line and the border were reported, which indicates that the tension is high.

Kasprzyk noted that the chairmanship of the OSCE, the co-chairs of the Minsk Group and he are working to strengthen the cease-fire and find ways to mitigate the consequences of these incidents.

“Relevant proposals were formulated and presented for consideration. The ultimate responsibility however lies with the sides to adhere to the cease-fire agreement. I am also concerned about the safety of my team, as the mounting tension puts us at risk when performing our duties in the trenches along the front- lines,” he stressed.