“Our efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the Minsk process have greatly contributed to the stability between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” said Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg at the 17th OSCE Ministerial Council in Athens.

Speaking about numerous challenges that OSCE is still confronted with, Steinberg underlined, “As one of the co-chairs of the Minsk group, the US has committed to seeking a final settlement to the conflict that will ensure long term stability and economic growth in the region.”

However, according to Deputy Secretary, Georgian conflict is one of the “most pressing challenges.” “We expect all parties to fulfill their commitments under the August 12th ceasefire agreement which calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces to positions prior to the start of hostilities and for unhindered humanitarian access,” Steinberg stated, adding that “core OSCE principles and commitments were violated. We must restore trust and rebuild confidence.”

“Lessons from the war in Georgia and constructive discussions through the Corfu process have encouraged us to take this initiative to propose a new crisis intervention mechanism. I hope that you’ll all review this and help shape this proposal while continuing to work on the ongoing conflicts not only in Nagorno-Karabakh but also in Moldova,” Steinberg concluded.