GPPAC calls on the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan to immediately call a ceasefire

We, the members of GPPAC, are observing with increasing alert and concern the resumption of armed clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan on September 27, 2020. This has already resulted in casualties on both sides, unfortunately no tangible signs of a halt to the violence.                                                                                                                                                  

We call on the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan to immediately call a ceasefire, and to organize honest, transparent, and inclusive dialogue with representatives of civil society and national mediators.

It is particularly regrettable to see this resumption of hostilities after the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for an immediate global ceasefire in recognition of increased humanitarian threats during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is significantly affecting both countries.

We are deeply saddened by the re-escalation of the conflict and reiterate our call to all concerned parties to cease hostilities and return to the negotiation table. We are alarmed by the mounting belligerent discourse in the media of both countries, which threatens peace and delays the process of de-escalation.

GPPAC fully shares the deep concern expressed by international organizations as well as by other experts including our local partners, peacebuilders and civil society organisations. We call for immediate actions towards an immediate ceasefire. GPPAC likewise commits to invest its resources to find mutually acceptable solutions to the problems that caused the outbreak of violence. The COVID-19 pandemic cannot and will not be grounds for justification for a malignant apathy on the part of those should be responsible to contribute to the resolution of this conflict.

To this end, we consider that in this volatile situation the most realistic and feasible means toward resolution is to fully leverage peace journalism and the media, and to ensure that peacemakers and trust builders from both sides have a full outlet for their perspectives to be heard.

To prevent further hostilities and effect positive change, state and non-state actors must act hand-in-hand to achieve a sustainable peace in this conflict-prone region. We are cognizant of the necessity of immediate joint actions, now more needed and relevant than ever, and of amplifying the voices of those working relentlessly for peace and stability at national and local levels.