I thank ASG Jenca for his brief.
I also welcome that the representatives for Armenia and Azerbaijan are here today.
Tensions have been on the rise again in recent weeks and we are deeply concerned by the ongoing military hostilities along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border; including reported artillery strikes hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure inside Armenia.
Reports indicates that this is the worst fighting seen since the 2020 war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Accounts of civilian deaths and injuries on both sides of the conflict are most disturbing.
The use of military force to settle disputes is unacceptable.
Humanitarian actors are worried about the upsurge of military activity, and its potential humanitarian consequences.
This activity affects the lives and safety of people residing in border areas, and blocks their access to essential infrastructure.
We are however encouraged by the news about an agreement on cessation of hostilities.
We welcome this initiative, and call on both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and exercise maximum restraint.
Norway recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan within their internationally recognised borders.
And we continue to support the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan to implement the ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020.
We also welcome the efforts of the European Union and the United States to help advance negotiations.
We urge Azerbaijan and Armenia to fully implement previously reached agreements and to return to the negotiating table in good faith and without preconditions.
Any outstanding issues must be resolved peacefully through dialogue, and within existing formats.