Chairman of the Free Democrats Party, Deputy of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Khachatur Kokobelyan sent a letter to U.S. Co-Chair of OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick. 

His Excellency Mr. James Warlick

U.S. Co-Chair of OSCE Minsk Group

Honorable Ambassador J. Warlick:

I write to express my deep concerns and frustration over your extremely cautious messages and statements that equalize the actions of the two countries in the existing situation, and ignore the obvious artillery shelling of civilians in Tavush Province that was extended towards the entire north-eastern border communities. As a result, unfortunately, three Armenian women were killed and six civilians were injured in Armenia. Likewise, four soldiers were killed and sixteen were injured in Nagorno-Karabakh during these days.

I am convinced that it’s impossible to support the ceasefire, and even more impossible to reinforce the establishment of peace without your and the Minsk Group’s adequate and objective assessment of Azerbaijan’s aggression and its continuous military operations against the civilians. Whereas, the absence of such an objective assessment and an adequate response is perceived by the aggressor as acquiescence to its unbridled and unpunished military operations and is accompanied by Azerbaijan’s unrestrained and militaristic rhetoric which neither supports the establishment of a sustainable ceasefire nor complies with Azerbaijan’s international obligations. Moreover, all these may result in a new inevitable war and disturb the region’s already fragile stability.

Please, be aware that every citizen of both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh is most concerned about the existing situation. And we assure that we support the process of peaceful resolution of the conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group. Furthermore, considering that the OSCE Minsk Group has its own share of responsibility in the process, we expect your and the Minks Group’s impartial and active participation in the establishment of the much necessary and longstanding ceasefire and peace.

Best regards,

 Khachatur Kokobelyan

Chairman of the Free Democrats Party

Deputy of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia