Germany keeps track of the Karabakh peace process and considers the conflict should be resolved based on the Helsinki Principles within OSCE Minsk Group, German Ambassador to Armenia Hans-Jochen Schmidt stated at a press conference. He stressed that Armenia is committed to the Karabakh conflict settlement within OSCE MG format.

The Ambassador considered the change of OSCE MG format unacceptable, welcoming the possible contribution by EU states to the Karabakh peace process. “That is the reason EU started talks on associate membership with the South Caucasian states simultaneously,” he said.

Referring to the situation in the region, the diplomat emphasized Germany follows the prolongation process of an agreement on the Russian military bases in Armenia, however he declined any comments. He criticized South Caucasian states for permanent increasing of military financing. “I mean the purchase of anti-aircraft missile systems C-300 by Azerbaijan. That is why it is very important to sign a treaty on conventional weapons. Armenia has agreed to the measure and is already undertaking adequate reforms, whereas Azerbaijan criticizes the idea, motivating it by the unresolved Karabakh conflict,” he noted.