YEREVAN. – Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-Chair James Warlick of the US called on to the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to refrain from provocations.

The mediator announced, on Monday in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan, that after his current visit to the region, the co-chairs will meet with the presidents and FMs of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and also visit Karabakh.

But Warlick expressed concern that the conflicting parties are now making use of heavy arms, grenade launchers, and artillery. The Minsk Group co-chair added that this results in the escalation of tension and the death of civilians.

He added that the co-chairs will urge, both in Armenia and in Azerbaijan, to maintain the truce, discuss matters of comprehensive settlement, and make preparations for a talk between the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Minsk Group co-chair especially stressed the importance of confidence-building between the peoples, and said the co-chairs stand ready to work in this direction.

Warlick noted that the objective of their visit to the region is to contribute to the reduction of tension, and the conflicting parties should not resort to provocations.

In his words, the parties will have to commit to not using heavy arms, since this contains a risk of escalation of tension.

James Warlick also said he does not think that any of the conflicting parties wishes for the Karabakh conflict to expand.