Ban Ki-moon urges Karabakh conflict parties to refrain from violence

In a statement from his spokesperson, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon said he shares the deep concerns expressed by the Co-Chairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, the group driving efforts to find a peaceful solution to conflict, and other international partners.

Mr. Ban "urges all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement, refrain from further violence and commit themselves to immediate de-escalation and continuing dialogue in the pursuit of a rapid and peaceful political solution," according to the statement.

Aiming to resolve what he described as a "dangerous situation," Mr. Ban expressed his full support for the efforts by the OSCE and other parties working to resolve the conflict.