[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[March 12, 1992]
[Pages 438-439]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Telephone 
Conversation With Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel of Turkey

March 12, 1992
    The President spoke with Prime Minister Demirel of Turkey today on 
the escalating crisis between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The President is 
concerned about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and calls on the 
parties to declare an immediate cease-fire so that they can attempt to 
resolve their differences peacefully.
    The involvement of the CSCE in the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh 
reflects the deep concern of the international community about the 
violence that threatens 
to scar this region for generations to come. The parties must not seek 
to gain a tempo-

[[Page 439]]

rary military advantage during a time of great uncertainty and 
heightened tensions. We call on them to exercise restraint even in the 
face of apparent provocation. The bloodshed must end.
    The United States joins Turkey, Russia, and other countries in 
calling for an immediate cease-fire and for Armenia and Azerbaijan to 
cooperate with the CSCE to put a peaceful end to this growing tragedy.