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Bernard Fassier: The aim of OSCE field assessment mission visiting the regions surrounding Nagorno Karabakh is to offer opportunities for the co-chairs to study the situation in the region better

12 October 2010 09:37 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. â€œThe co-chairs proposed to send OSCE field assessment mission to the region and the aim of the mission is to offer opportunities for the co-chairs to study the situation in the region better,â€ French co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group Bernard Fassier told journalists in Khankendi, APA reports quoting ArmToday. He said as the co-chairs from Russia and US were replaced the new mediators need to familiarize with the region closely.
â€œAs you know, from the co-chairs only I had an opportunity to visit the territories surrounding Nagorno Karabakh in 2005. But the co-chairs from the US and Russia were replaced, neither Mr. Bradtke, nor Mr. Popov had an opportunity to visit the regions. Therefore, we consider that for the common good it is necessary to visit these regions and familiarize with the situation. So, we offered the conflicting parties to conduct the field mission and discussed how the mission will be conducted. I am glad that we reached an agreement and the mission is being conducted,â€ he said.

Bernard Fassier said along with the co-chairs the mission also includes Igor Popovâ€™s assistant and three experts. According to the co-chair, the mission has already visited six out of the seven regions surrounding Nagorno Karabakh, tomorrow they will visit Kalbajar.

The US co-chair Robert Bradtke said the co-chairs also plan to visit the other regions affected by the conflict.

Answering journalistsâ€™ questions Russian co-chair Igor Popov commented on the suicide of Armenian reconnoiter Manvel Saribekyan captured by Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
â€œWe consider that this issue should be investigated seriously. Related international structures, first of all the International Committee of the Red Cross, should be involved in the investigation,â€ he said.