    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [June 20, 1997]
    [Page 776]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by France, Russia, and the United States on the Nagorno-
    Karabakh Conflict
    June 20, 1997

        On the occasion of our meeting in Denver, we, the Presidents of
    France, the Russian Federation and the United States of America, as
    leaders of the countries that co-chair the OSCE Minsk Conference on
    Nagorno-Karabakh, express our deep concern over the continuing Nagorno-
    Karabakh conflict. It has seriously undermined economic and social
    development and prosperity throughout the Caucasus region. It has
    created thousands of victims. Over a million people are still displaced
    from their homes.
        We are encouraged by the continued observance of the cease-fire.
    However, the cease-fire by itself is insufficient. Without progress
    toward a durable settlement, the cease-fire could break down. The
    international community thus has repeatedly called for a settlement; we
    believe there should be no delay in establishing a stable and lasting
    peace in the region.
        To that end we have committed our countries to work closely together
    to assist the efforts of the parties to negotiate a resolution to the
    conflict. The French, Russian, and U.S. Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk
    Conference have presented a new proposal for a comprehensive settlement,
    taking into consideration the legitimate interests and concerns of all
    parties. It represents an appropriate basis for achieving a mutual
    agreement. The primary responsibility, however, rests with the parties
    and their leaders. We call upon them to take a positive approach, to
    build upon this proposal and to negotiate an early settlement.