OSCE Mink Group remains the only format for negotiations around Nagorno Karabakh conflict, German ambassador to Armenia, Mr Matthias Kiesler, said Wednesday in Yerevan at the presentation of Germany’s OSCE chairmanship in 2016.

 “We made it clear, by our Foreign Minister, Mr Steinmeier, that the OSCE Minsk Group with the three co-chairs is the only format for [conflict] parties. De-escalation is the primary goal. Unfortunately the hostility along the line of contact [between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan] and the [Armenian-Azerbaijani] border continues”, he said.

Germany fully supports efforts to set up a procedure to investigate violations of ceasefire, which is very important, he stressed.

“We are convinced that the willingness of the parties to lead talks to a comprehensive solution is indispensable, but we are also convinced that we need willingness on both sides, that needs to be supported by their populations. To this end, two sides need to abstain from aggressive speech”, he added.  

Apart from this, more confidence could be built through direct contacts between the peoples of the two countries. This could help to overcome mistrust that has grown over the years, the ambassador concluded.