Russian Foreign Ministry Comments on Azerbaijani Diversion in Nagorno-Karabakh

The Russian Foreign Ministry has addressed the Azerbaijani diversion that took place yesterday in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

In a statement, the Ministry expressed: “We are seriously concerned about the escalation of tension in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. In recent days, there have been multiple violations of the ceasefire regime. On March 5, an armed incident occurred, resulting in casualties on both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides.

We urge both parties to exercise restraint and take steps to de-escalate the situation. We reaffirm the necessity of strictly adhering to the provisions of the November 9, 2020, statement by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia regarding the complete cessation of fire and military operations in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

Any issues concerning security and livelihoods in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingents should be resolved peacefully and through communication between the parties under the auspices of the Russian peacekeeping mission.

This incident once again confirms the imperative for a swift return to negotiations within the framework of the trilateral statements made by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia on November 9, 2020, January 11, 2021, November 26, 2021, and October 31, 2022, including the implementation of provisions for unblocking regional communications, delimiting the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, and preparing a peace treaty,” the statement concludes.