EU calls for investigation into Artsakh helicopter downing

November 13, 2014 - 14:21 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union has called for an investigation in an incident in which a military helicopter belonging to Nagorno Karabakh was shot down by Azerbaijan.

A statement issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS) said "it is essential that all sides show restraint and avoid any actions or statements which could escalate the situation. Furthermore, we call for an investigation into this incident."

In its' statement the European Union reiterated its full support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and its three Co-chairs. It said “both sides have to strictly respect the ceasefire, to refrain from the use of force or any threat thereof, and to resume efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.”

Mi-24 helicopter of the Nagorno Karabakh army was shot during a training flight as result of ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani armed forces on Thursday, Nov 12, at about 1pm local time. According to the NKR Defense Ministry, the attack took place not far from the line of contact. Three people on board were killed.

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The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.