U.S. urges Karabakh conflict sides to adhere to ceasefire

April 3, 2016 - 11:08 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States condemns in the strongest terms the large-scale ceasefire violations along the Nagorno Karabakh line of contact, which have resulted in a number of reported casualties, including civilians, Secretary of State Johm Carry said in a statement.

"We extend our condolences to all affected families," he said. "We urge the sides to show restraint, avoid further escalation, and strictly adhere to the ceasefire. The unstable situation on the ground demonstrates why the sides must enter into an immediate negotiation under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs on a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.

The Secretary reiterated the U.S. position on the matter stating that there is no military solution to the conflict.

"As a co-chair country, the United States is firmly committed to working with the sides to reach a lasting and negotiated peace," Kerry concluded.

On the night of April 1-2, Azerbaijani armed forces initiated overt offensive operations in the southern, southeastern and northeastern directions of the line of contact with Nagorno Karabakh, using artillery, armored fighting vehicles and air force equipment among other weapons.

Aside from the battles on the frontline, the rival has also carried out artillery strikes on civilian settlements and places of permanent deployment of several military units.

On April 2, at around 8:30 am, the rival used BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher in the Martuni direction of the contact line. 12-year-old Vaghinak Grigoryan was killed in the shelling, two more children were wounded.

Earleir, the Nagorno Karabakh special forces identified an Azerbaijani subversive group near the Levonarkh settlement and threw the saboteurs back to their positions.

According to Armenia’s Defense Ministry, the rival troops retreated after suffering several human losses.

As many as 18 Karabakh servicemen were killed and 35 were wounded in the course of military operations with Azerbaijani army on April 1-2, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said at a Security Council meeting.

Starting at 6:00 am, on April 3, the Azerbaijani armed forces have been conducting aggressive military actions in the southern direction of the line of contact, using rockets and artillery, as well as armored fighting vehicles.