Canada urges Artsakh parties to resume talks within OSCE MG

PanARMENIAN.Net - Canada firmly believes that there is no alternative to a peaceful, negotiated solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Foreign Minister Stéphane Dion said, according to Sputnik.

"Canada is concerned about the recent escalation of violence between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in Nagorno Karabakh,” he said. “We call on all sides to show restraint, maintain ceasefire, and resume dialogue in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.”

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.

As many as 18 Karabakh servicemen were killed and 35-40 were wounded in the course of military operations. A civilian, 11-year-old Vaghinak Grigoryan was also killed, with 6 other civilians, including two kids, wounded.

As of April 4, the Azerbaijani side has lost 20 tanks and over 5 armored vehicles, including an IFV, as well as 2 military helicopters and 3 unmanned aerial vehicles.

One Karabakh tank has been destroyed so far.