Conference for Security and
Co-operation in Europe
FIRST ADDITIONAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
Helsinki
March 1992
Summary of Conclusions
II
3. The Ministers expressed their deep concern about
the continuing escalation of the armed conflict in
and around Nagorny Karabakh and the resulting
increased suffering and loss of life of the
inhabitants. They held an extensive discussion of
ways and means to end the conflict, bearing in mind
the implications for regional and international
security which could result from its continuation
and further extension. They called upon all parties
to exercise restraint.
4. The Ministers reiterated in the strongest
terms the call for an immediate and effective
cease-fire including an active commitment by
responsible local commanders to its implementation.
They issued an appeal for the re-establishment of
conditions for confidence and constructive dialogue,
including the cessation of measures of economic and
political constraint.
5. The Ministers reviewed the ongoing action
within the CSCE framework and endorsed in their
entirety the decisions taken by the Committee of
Senior Officials. They expressed their appreciation
for the activities of the Chairman-in-Office of the
CSCE undertaken in this connection and stressed
their willingness to extend all possible assistance
to him whenever it is needed.
6. The Ministers welcomed the complementary
efforts made by the European Community and its
member States, by the member States of the
Commonwealth of Independent States, by the members
of the North Atlantic Co-operation Council, and, in
particular, the efforts made by the United Nations
Secretary-General.
They requested the Chairman-in-Office of the CSCE
to keep in close contact with the United Nations in
this respect and to arrange for regular exchanges of
information. The Ministers agreed that the CSCE must
play a major role in promoting a peace process
relating to the conflict. They agreed that the
situation in and around Nagorny Karabakh requires
further CSCE action.
7. The Ministers mandated the Chairman-in-Office
of the CSCE Council of Ministers, Mr. Jiri
Dienstbier, to visit the region shortly in order to
contribute, in particular, to the establishment and
maintenance of an effective cease-fire as well as to
the establishment of a framework for an overall
peaceful settlement.
8. The Ministers expressed their firm conviction
that a conference on Nagorny Karabakh under the
auspices of the CSCE would provide an ongoing forum
for negotiations towards a peaceful settlement of
the crisis on the basis of the principles,
commitments and provisions of the CSCE. The
Ministers therefore requested the Chairman-in-Office
of the CSCE Council of Ministers to convene such a
conference as soon as possible.
9. The Ministers furthermore agreed that this
Conference, which will take place in Minsk, will
have as participants Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, France, Germany,
Italy, Russian Federation, Sweden, Turkey and United
States of America. Elected and other representatives
of Nagorny Karabakh will be invited to the
Conference as interested parties by the Chairman of
the Conference after consultation with the States
participating at the Conference. The
Chairman-in-Office of the CSCE Council will appoint
the Chairman of the Conference on Nagorny Karabakh
under the auspices of the CSCE.
10. The Ministers urged all CSCE participating
States and all concerned parties to take all
necessary steps to ensure that humanitarian
assistance is provided to all those in need through
rapid and effective means including safe corridors
under international control.
11. The Ministers noted the commitment of Armenia
and Azerbaijan to fully support the mission of the
Chairman-in-Office of the CSCE Council to the region
as well as other actions on which the CSCE Council
has agreed and appeal to these two countries to
pursue actively this commitment to reach a lasting,
peaceful solution.
