YEREVAN. – The situation in the region is at the focus of discussions, and that situation has changed since November 10 of last year. The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde stated about this during a briefing Tuesday in Yerevan.

She welcomed the establishment of a ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict zone, but expressed deep regret over the deaths and injuries. According to her, the implementation of the provisions of the statement on the ceasefire will allow moving forward in the process to resolve the Karabakh conflict.

As the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Linde emphasized the important work of the OSCE Minsk Group and the OSCE Personal Representative in the pursuit of long-term and lasting peace. At the same time, she stated that unresolved issues remain.

The OSCE plays an important role in seeking progress, at this phase it is important to respect humanitarian and human rights, and it is necessary to create a climate of trust and on-site access, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office stressed, also noting the role of women.

To note, Anne Linde's aforesaid message is addressed to the Azerbaijani authorities. Baku refuses to return Armenian POWs and civilian captives, as well as obstructs the access of international organizations to the Artsakh territories that are now under its control.