On 18 November, in Vienna, at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the OSCE, Ambassador Armen Papikyan delivered a statement in response to the address of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Papikyan reaffirmed Armenia's support for the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs as the only international mandated format for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The importance of resumption of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and the Co-Chairs’ visits to the region was highlighted.

Among other issues, the Ambassador noted that the ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan and their intensity are increasing thus hindering the efforts of the international community aimed at establishment of a lasting peace in the region. Ambassador also recalled the crimes committed by Azerbaijan against the civilian population of Artsakh and Armenia.

Ambassador Papikyan underlined that the 16 November attack of the Azerbaijani armed forces on the sovereign territory of Armenia, which resulted in casualties, missing and captured servicemen, is also the consequence of the passive acquiescence of the international community towards such an aggressive policy of Azerbaijan.

Ambassador further noted, that unfortunately, such a blatant display of use and threat of force is becoming one of the prominent features of the Azerbaijani policy and should leave no doubt for the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, OSCE and its participating States who is the aggressor and who is the main hindrance for the establishment of the peace in the region.