In a statement released in Vienna on 15 April (http://www.osce.org/item/13896.html), the Minsk Group co-chairmen registered their shared concern over the marked increase in recent weeks in violations of the cease-fire signed by the defense ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in 1994. At least six servicemen have been reported killed in those exchanges of fire. The co-chairmen also deplored public statements implying that a resumption of full-scale hostilities is imminent, noting that such rhetoric complicates efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully and fuels feelings of hatred among the populations of both countries. The statement appealed to the conflict parties to reinforce the cease-fire; to refrain from any public statements that could lead to an escalation of the conflict; to recognize that a new war would be \"disastrous\" for both countries in terms of casualties, destruction, and an increase in refugees and displaced persons; and \"to prepare their populations for a balanced negotiated agreement that will require compromises on both sides.\" (RFE/RL)