RESOLUTION 853 (1993) Adopted by the Security Council on 29 July 1993

History

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 822 (1993) of 30 April 1993,

Having considered the report of the Chairman of the Minsk Group of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe dated 27 July 1993,

Expressing grave concern at the deterioration of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan and the tension between them,

Welcoming the acceptance by the parties concerned of the plan of urgent steps to implement its resolution 822 (1993),

Noting with alarm the escalation of hostilities and, in particular, the seizure of the district of Agdam in Azerbaijan,

Concerned that such a situation continues to endanger peace and security in the region,

Expressing once again its grave concern at the displacement of large numbers of civilians in Azerbaijan and at the emergency humanitarian situation in the region,

Reaffirming once again the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and of all other States in the region,

Reaffirming also the inviolability of international borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force for the acquisition of territory,

  1. Condemns the seizure of the district of Agdam and of all other recently occupied districts of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
  2. Condemns also all hostile actions in the region, in particular attacks on civilians and bombardments and artillery strikes against populated areas;
  3. Demands the immediate cessation of all hostilities and the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces involved in the conflict from the district of Agdam and all other recently occupied districts of Azerbaijan;
  4. Calls upon the parties concerned to reach and to observe durable ceasefire agreements;
  5. Reaffirms, in the context of paragraphs 3 and 4 above, its previous calls for the restoration of economic, transport and energy links in the region;
  6. Endorses the continuing efforts of the Minsk Group of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict, including efforts to implement resolution 822 (1993), and expresses grave concern at the destructive impact of the escalation of hostilities on these efforts;
  7. Welcomes the measures taken to prepare for the deployment of a CSCE monitoring mission, including its timetable, as well as consideration within the CSCE of proposals to ensure its presence in the region;
  8. Urges the parties concerned to refrain from any actions that would obstruct a peaceful resolution of the conflict and to continue negotiations within the framework of the Minsk Group as well as through direct contacts, with a view to achieving a final settlement;
  9. Urges the Government of the Republic of Armenia to continue to exert its influence to ensure that the Armenians of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan comply with the provisions of resolution 822 (1993) and of the present resolution and accept the proposals of the Minsk Group;
  10. Calls upon States to refrain from the supply of any weapons and military equipment which could lead to the escalation of the conflict or the continuation of the occupation of territory;
  11. Reiterates its call for unimpeded international humanitarian assistance in the region, in particular in all areas affected by the conflict, in order to alleviate the increased suffering of the civilian population, and reaffirms that all parties are bound to respect the principles and rules of international humanitarian law;
  12. Requests the Secretary-General and relevant international agencies to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the affected civilian population and to assist displaced persons to return to their homes;
  13. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Chairman-in-Office of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and with the Chairman of the Minsk Group, to continue to submit reports to the Council on the development of the situation;
  14. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Adopted unanimously at the 3259th meeting.

AGREEMENT ON THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

During the Meeting of the Leaders of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh 5 August 1993

AGREEMENT

The Parties agreed to extend the arrangement previously reached (28 July 1993) on the cessation of all offensive operations, rocket and artillery fire, and aerial bombardments for a period of three (3) days, during which an agreement shall be reached on a meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Upon the achievement of the aforementioned agreement, the arrangement on the cessation of all offensive operations, rocket and artillery fire, and aerial bombardments shall be automatically extended until 24:00 hours on the day of that meeting, unless other terms are agreed upon therein.

Acting Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan S. Abiev

Minister of Defense of Nagorno-Karabakh S. Sargsyan

5 August 1993 (Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the NKR, Incoming No. 20, 3 August 1993; personal archive of former Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassador V. Kazimirov)

MANDATE ISSUED BY THE LEADER OF AZERBAIJAN H. ALIYEV

To the Deputy Prime Minister for Negotiations with the Leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh 17 August 1993

The leadership of Azerbaijan authorizes Deputy Prime Minister R. Guliyev, for a period of five (5) days, to conduct negotiations on the organization of a meeting between the senior leaders of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Exercising the powers of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan H. Aliyev

AGREEMENT ON THE RENEWAL OF THE CEASEFIRE

In Connection with the Agreement on a Meeting of the Senior Leaders of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh 17 August 1993

In continuation of the arrangements previously reached on 24 and 28 July 1993, and in the event of a new analogous commitment by both sides, we undertake to renew a comprehensive ceasefire, including the cessation of all offensive operations, rocket and artillery fire, and aerial bombardments, for a period of five (5) days, during which an agreement shall be reached on a meeting of the senior leaders of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh.

This arrangement shall enter into force at 18:00 hours on 18 August 1993 upon receipt by the Parties of the aforementioned commitments. Upon the achievement of an agreement on the aforementioned meeting, the ceasefire may be automatically extended until 24:00 hours on the day of that meeting, unless other terms are agreed upon therein.

This agreement is signed by duly authorized official representatives of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Acting Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan S. Abiev

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan R. Guliyev

MANDATE ISSUED BY H. ALIYEV

To the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan for Negotiations with the Leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh 31 August 1993 Baku No. 140

The leadership of Azerbaijan authorizes Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council A. Jalilov to conduct negotiations.

Exercising the powers of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan H. Aliyev

(Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the NKR, Incoming No. 23, 2 September 1993)

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEADERSHIP OF AZERBAIJAN AND NAGORNO-KARABAKH Moscow, September 13, 1993

On September 12 and 13, 1993, representatives of the leadership of the Republic of Azerbaijan, A. Jalilov, and of Nagorno-Karabakh, A. Ghukasyan, with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, held direct negotiations in a spirit of goodwill aimed at finding ways for the earliest possible settlement of the armed conflict. The meeting in Moscow was a continuation of contacts established in recent times—direct, through intermediaries, and within the framework of the CSCE Minsk Group.

As a result of these developing contacts, agreements on a temporary ceasefire have repeatedly been reached and extended. Despite certain violations, the ceasefire has been largely observed, creating a relative calm in areas of recent hostilities. This encourages further steps toward reconciliation. Following the Moscow negotiations, the ceasefire was once again extended—until October 5, 1993, inclusive.

Recognizing that in a protracted conflict which has claimed thousands of lives and deprived hundreds of thousands of people of their homes there can be no military solution, the parties expressed their determination to overcome mutual distrust. Emphasizing the importance of the dialogue that has begun, they confirmed their readiness to consider the full range of issues related to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem—above all, the definitive cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of forces from occupied territories, and the restoration of communications.

The participants in the meeting consider it important to resolve disputed issues step by step. They view the CSCE Minsk Conference as a forum that can become an effective instrument for a comprehensive and lasting peace settlement.

The questions of preparing a meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh were discussed in detail. Agreement was reached on holding such a meeting, as well as on maintaining contacts at various levels.

An exchange of views also took place regarding the mutual release of prisoners and hostages, as well as other matters of common interest.

The participants in the negotiations, which were conducted in a businesslike and constructive atmosphere, expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for its assistance in organizing them.

[Signatures: A. Jalilov, A. Ghukasyan, V. Kazimirov]

From the personal archive of Ambassador V. Kazimirov, former Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 874 (1993)

14 October 1993

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 822 (1993) of 30 April 1993 and 853 (1993) of 29 July 1993, and referring to the statement made by the President of the Security Council on behalf of the Council on 18 August 1993,

Having considered the letter of 1 October 1993 from the Chairman of the Minsk Conference of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) on Nagorno-Karabakh addressed to the President of the Security Council,

Expressing its serious concern that the continuation of the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan and around it, and the persistence of tension in relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, would endanger peace and security in the region,

Noting the high-level meetings held in Moscow on 8 October 1993 and expressing the hope that they will contribute to improving the situation and to the peaceful settlement of the conflict,

Reaffirming once again the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and of all other States in the region,

Reaffirming also the inviolability of international borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force for the acquisition of territory,

Expressing once again its serious concern at the suffering caused by the conflict and the grave humanitarian situation in the region, and in particular its serious concern at the displacement of large numbers of civilians in Azerbaijan,

  1. Calls upon the parties concerned to make effective and permanent the ceasefire established as a result of direct contacts undertaken with the assistance of the Government of the Russian Federation in support of the CSCE Minsk Group;
  2. Reaffirms its full support for the peace process being pursued within the framework of the CSCE and the tireless efforts of the Minsk Group;
  3. Welcomes and commends to the parties the “Adjusted timetable of urgent steps for the implementation of Security Council resolutions 822 (1993) and 853 (1993),” prepared at the meeting of the Minsk Group on 28 September 1993 and presented to the parties by the Chairman of the Group with the full support of nine other members of the Group, and calls upon the parties to accept it;
  4. Expresses its conviction that all other outstanding issues arising from the conflict and not directly addressed in the “Adjusted timetable” should be settled expeditiously within the framework of peaceful negotiations in the context of the Minsk process;
  5. Calls for the immediate implementation of reciprocal and urgent steps provided for in the “Adjusted timetable” of the Minsk Group, including the withdrawal of forces from recently occupied territories and the removal of all obstacles to communications and transport;
  6. Calls also for the convening as soon as possible of the Minsk Conference for the purpose of achieving a negotiated settlement of the conflict, as envisaged in the “Adjusted timetable,” in accordance with the mandate of the Council of Ministers of the CSCE of 24 March 1992;
  7. Requests the Secretary-General to respond positively to the proposal to send a representative to participate in the Minsk Conference and to provide all possible assistance for the substantive negotiations following the opening of the Conference;
  8. Supports the CSCE monitoring mission already established;
  9. Calls upon all parties to refrain from violations of international humanitarian law and reiterates its call, contained in resolutions 822 (1993) and 853 (1993), to ensure unimpeded access for international humanitarian relief efforts in all areas affected by the conflict;
  10. Urges all States in the region to refrain from any hostile acts and from any interference or intervention that would lead to the widening of the conflict and undermine peace and security in the region;
  11. Requests the Secretary-General and relevant international agencies to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the civilian population affected and to assist refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes in dignity and safety;
  12. Requests the Secretary-General, the Chairman-in-Office of the CSCE, and the Chairman of the Minsk Conference to continue to report to the Council on the progress of the Minsk process and on all aspects of the situation on the ground, as well as on current and future cooperation between the CSCE and the United Nations in this regard;
  13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Adopted unanimously at the 3292nd meeting.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 884 (1993)

12 November 1993

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 822 (1993) of 30 April 1993, 853 (1993) of 29 July 1993, and 874 (1993) of 14 October 1993,

Reaffirming its full support for the peace process being pursued within the framework of the CSCE and the tireless efforts of the CSCE Minsk Group,

Taking note of the letter of 9 November 1993 from the Chairman-in-Office of the CSCE Minsk Conference on Nagorno-Karabakh addressed to the President of the Security Council and its annexes,

Expressing serious concern that the continuation of the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan and around it, and the persistence of tension in relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, would endanger peace and security in the region,

Noting with alarm the escalation of hostilities resulting from violations of the ceasefire and the excessive use of force in response to those violations, in particular the occupation of the Zangelan district and the town of Goradiz in Azerbaijan,

Reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and of all other States in the region,

Reaffirming also the inviolability of international borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force for the acquisition of territory,

Expressing serious concern at the latest displacement of large numbers of civilians and the emergence of a grave humanitarian situation in the Zangelan district, the town of Goradiz, and along the southern border of Azerbaijan,

  1. Condemns the recent violations of the ceasefire established between the parties, which have resulted in the resumption of hostilities, and in particular condemns the occupation of the Zangelan district and the town of Goradiz, attacks on civilians, and the shelling of the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
  2. Calls upon the Government of Armenia to use its influence to ensure that the Armenians of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan comply with Security Council resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), and 874 (1993), and to ensure that the forces involved are not provided with means to continue their military campaign;
  3. Welcomes the statement of nine members of the CSCE Minsk Group of 4 November 1993 and highly appreciates the proposals contained therein regarding unilateral declarations of ceasefire;
  4. Demands the immediate cessation of hostilities and hostile acts by the parties concerned, the unilateral withdrawal of occupying forces from the Zangelan district and the town of Goradiz, and the withdrawal of occupying forces from other recently occupied areas of Azerbaijan, in accordance with the “Adjusted timetable of urgent steps for the implementation of Security Council resolutions 822 (1993) and 853 (1993)” as amended at the meeting of the Minsk Group held in Vienna from 2 to 8 November 1993;
  5. Urgently calls upon the parties concerned to resume without delay the observance of the ceasefire established as a result of direct contacts undertaken with the assistance of the Government of the Russian Federation in support of the Minsk Group, to make it effective and permanent, and to continue seeking opportunities for the settlement of the conflict through negotiations in the context of the Minsk process and the “Adjusted timetable” as amended at the Minsk Group meeting of 2–8 November 1993;
  6. Once again urges all States in the region to refrain from any hostile acts and from any interference that would lead to the widening of the conflict and undermine peace and security in the region;
  7. Requests the Secretary-General and relevant international agencies to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the civilian population affected, including those in the Zangelan district, the town of Goradiz, and along the southern border of Azerbaijan, and to assist refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes in dignity and safety;
  8. Requests once again the Secretary-General, the Chairman-in-Office of the CSCE, and the Chairman of the Minsk Conference to continue to report to the Council on the progress of the Minsk process and on all aspects of the situation on the ground, in particular on the implementation of its relevant resolutions, and on current and future cooperation between the CSCE and the United Nations in this regard;
  9. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Adopted unanimously at the 3313th meeting. 773

Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”

Artatsolum

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