The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, is concerned about the unstable situation in the South Caucasus. He stated about this to the media after his meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

Rau is in Yerevan within the framework of a regional visit.

According to him, one of the main messages of these meetings was the concern over the instability of the situation, and the content of his meeting with the Armenian FM referred to the situation in the region and the prospects of cooperation with Armenia.

Rau stressed that the current Polish chairmanship in the OSCE contributes to all initiatives aimed at dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Real dialogue is very important for de-escalation, he added, calling on the parties to participate in the dialogue in good faith in order to reach a comprehensive solution to all problems.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office said they hope that progress can be made, in particular, on urgent humanitarian issues, such as the release of prisoners, the exchange of information on missing persons, demining, and the protection of cultural property.

He reminded that the cooperation between Armenia and the OSCE has developed for many years, the OSCE has contributed to the reforms in Armenia, and this cooperation shall continue.

The OSCE is ready to increase its participation in Armenia and implement new programs in three areas of security, Rau noted, adding that the situation in the wider region requires activeness and proactiveness.

Also, Zbigniew Rau thanked Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, for his long-term efforts for peace and stability.