Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia on developments in Nagorno-Karabakh

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia is concerned about the escalation of situation and exchanges of fire between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in the Tovuz and Tavush districts on the Azerbaijani and Armenian border. These incidents are posing a serious threat to peace and stability and have claimed lives on both sides.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges both sides to stop violence and resume the ceasefire. Armenia and Azerbaijan should avoid any further action or statements that could lead to further escalation of the conflict.

Latvia’s position on the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is well-known. Latvia supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country, as stated in the Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE Charter of Paris. Latvia considers that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can only be solved by peaceful means and on the basis of the generally recognised principles of international law in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.

The Foreign Ministry fully supports the OCSE Minsk Group and its three co-chairs in their efforts to restore the ceasefire. The Foreign Ministry expects both sides to refrain from the use of force and to return to a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.