Jeyhun Bayramov: Dissolution of Minsk Group will ensure OSCE effectiveness

Foreign Affairs Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov attended and delivered a statement at the 31^st OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Valletta, Malta, Report informs, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

During his speech, Minister Bayramov reiterated the importance of respect and adherence to the fundamental norms, principles and commitments enshrined in the OSCE documents, starting from the Helsinki Final Act, that remain the bedrock of security and peace, as well as the basis for dialogue and cooperation.

The minister drew attention to the erosion of multilateralism as a result of violations and selective application of international law, and rising ethnic and religious intolerance, including Islamophobia in Europe.

The necessity of eliminating obsolete OSCE structures related to the former Minsk process to ensure the efficiency of the Organization was brought to the attention.

Minister Bayramov also talked about the successful outcomes of direct bilateral dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as ongoing challenges, including territorial claims in the Constitution of Armenia.

The foreign minister urged the international community to refrain from provocative actions and fuelling tension in the region.