OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid on Thursday, June 3 met the co-chairs of the Minsk Group – Igor Popov of Russia, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States – and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson in Office (PRCiO) Andrzej Kasprzyk.
"Pleased to meet with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs & Personal Representative Kasprzyk in person for first time. Full support for their ongoing efforts and engagement," Schmid said in a tweet.
The meeting comes amid growing tensions on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province). One Armenian serviceman was killed in Azerbaijan’s shooting on May 25, while six others were captured on May 27.
