BAKU. - OSCE remain deeply committed to helping to resolve protracted conflicts in the region through the agreed formats - the OSCE Minsk Group, which is co-chaired by France, Russia and US, and the Geneva Discussions, co-chaired by the OSCE, the EU and the UN, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said in an interview with Trend News.

He stressed the South Caucasus is important for the security and stability of the entire OSCE area, and the OSCE is as active in the region as ever. “The political direction of the Organization is set at the strategic level by our Chairmanship, which rotates annually, but I think you can see that the OSCE has remained continuously and consistently engaged,” he said.

The official noted the organization works to support domestic reforms through our field operations in Armenia and Azerbaijan. He said that he fully supports efforts to address the protracted conflicts through the agreed formats, and he is optimistic that progress can be achieved.

“I met recently with the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and I share their view that the basic principles must be agreed as a top priority so that the sides can move to the drafting of a comprehensive peace settlement,” he said.