YEREVAN. – The Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group will continue to work to encourage negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting settlement based on the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final Act, including the principles of territorial integrity, self-determination, and non-use of force. OSCE Minsk Group U.S. Co-Chair Richard Hoagland said the abovementioned in response to a written inquiry by Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Asked whether he believes that the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic deserves the realization of its right to self-determination, the diplomat said: “The United States does not recognize the de facto government in Nagorno-Karabakh, nor does any other country, including Armenia.”

He assured that the Co-Chairs continue to encourage the Presidents and Foreign Ministers to meet at the earliest opportunity to continue the important discussion on key issues, including the importance of respecting the ceasefire and taking steps towards fully implementing decisions taken in Vienna and St. Petersburg, including implementing the important confidence-building measures by all the parties.