On October 11, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian delivered a speech a at the 31st session of the Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the International Organization of La Francophonie, held in Yerevan.

In his remarks Minister Nalbandian presented the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and mentioned that the issue is at the focus of the Organisation.

Touching upon the developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, Edward Nalbandian informed the representatives of the OIF member-states about the violations of cease-fire regime by Azerbaijan, which lead to numerous casualties. The Minister stressed that Azerbaijan bears full responsibility for the escalation of situation, which is proved by Azerbaijan's continuous rejection of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs' proposals on the settlement of the issue, intensification of premeditated military provocations, rejection of MG Co-Chairs’ proposal to establish a mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations. Minister also added that Baku hinders the efforts of the international community aimed at the peaceful settlement of the issue.

Foreign Minister of Armenia reminded that during the 15th OIF Summit in Dakar the heads of states and governments of member states expressed their full support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs towards the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Edward Nalbandian also stated that the heads of member-states of La Francophonie urged all the parties of the conflict to refrain from the use of force, which may risk the settlement process, to continue negotiations on the basis of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ proposals, which are an integrated whole and include the non-use of force or the threat of use of force, the equality of people and right for self-determination and the territorial integrity as a basis for just and lasting settlement.