Press Release No: 20/19
7 October 2020
Brussels

The Conference of European Churches (CEC), a regional ecumenical organisation, representing 114 European churches, has encouraged the OSCE Minsk Group and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to increase their efforts in searching for a durable peaceful solution in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

In letters to the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and High Representative of the EEAS, CEC general secretary Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen expressed grave concern over the current escalation of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“We urge the EEAS to offer EU mediation and diplomatic capacities for a peaceful solution in line with principles of international law and its norms to ensure lasting peace in order to prevent a spill over of the conflict in the Caucuasus region,” he said.

The CEC general secretary also emphasised the need for an effective collaboration, suggesting the “inclusion of religious leaders in the negotiation process from both sides to help the reconciliation process between the two neighbours.”

He further encouraged the international organisations to ensure that there is an unhindered access to the humanitarian aid for those in need.

In response to the conflict, CEC shares the following Prayer for Peace:

Good God,
In the middle of uncertainty, fear of illness and death in our world,
People face each other in arms,
Hatred, violence and death destroy reconciling neighbourhoods and peaceful coexistence.

Merciful God,
In the glaring light of exploding shells
We hear the cry of our sisters and brothers for peace.
In the deafening noise of weapons, we see eyes full of tears and sorrow longing for justice.

Read here the full prayer

For more information or an interview, please contact:

Naveen Qayyum
Communication Officer
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 2 234 68 42
E-mail: naveen@cec-kek.be
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope