Diplomacy and dialogue are the only path to stability and peace -  OSCE Chair-in-Office

ArmInfo. Today the OSCE itself and its fundamental principles are under attack and pressure. OSCE  Chair-in-Office, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, Ian Borg  stated at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on May 13 in Yerevan, adding that  Malta's chairmanship coincided with many challenges in the OSCE area.

In this vein, Minister Borg stated that despite the abovementioned,  Malta accepted the chairmanship of the Organization and declared  strengthening the flexibility of the OSCE as one of its priorities.  Mr.  Borg added that for the successful implementation of the goals  set by their chairmanship, sound financial frameworks and effective  institutional governance should be ensured. And this requires the  will of all 57 members of the organization.

Referring to his visit to the South Caucasus, the diplomat noted that  he came to listen to all parties, conduct a needs assessment and  engage in dialogue based on the available results.

According to him, the agenda of the meeting with the leadership of  Armenia includes the political process taking place with Azerbaijan,  the prospects for concluding a peace treaty, as well as basic  humanitarian issues.

At the same time, Mr. Borg assured that establishing a stable and  long-term peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority for  the OSCE. According to him, only diplomacy and dialogue can become  the path to stability and peace.

"We are confident that constructive dialogue between equals, guided  by pragmatism and honesty, is indispensable for achieving lasting  peace. The process of delimiting the border between Armenia and  Azerbaijan is a valuable step along this path," Mr. Borg said,  promising to convey the same messages to Baku, since "after decades  of suffering, it is essential that nations achieve the peace and  prosperity they deserve."

"As the OSCE, we are ready to be more involved and assist in  resolving existing humanitarian issues, in particular for displaced  persons and those living in affected areas," he continued.  In  conclusion, he touched upon cooperation between Armenia and the OSCE,  including reforms in the security sector and the fight against  climate change. He added that the OSCE is ready to continue  interaction with Armenia in all three platforms of the Organization.

"Mr. Mirzoyan, you can rely on us, just as I rely on you. My goal as  the current OSCE Chairperson is to deepen cooperation and achieve  peace in these difficult times," Mr. Borg concluded.