During today's meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, in the margins of the UNGA General Debate, I expressed my grave concern about reports of a military escalation around the Karabakh region. This is stated in the statement of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić.

“I deplored that innocent, vulnerable civilians, who have already been suffering an acute humanitarian crisis in the region, once again bear the brunt of the use of force. This cannot be tolerated. I called on Azerbaijan to immediately halt the military actions. It is high time to leave weapons, de-escalate and embrace dialogue. Only a meaningful, unconditional dialogue, involving all sides, can lead to a long-lasting peace, which has no alternative. The Council of Europe remains ready to engage and assist in this process, with a view to ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by all, including rights of national minorities”, - the statement reads.