Blinken "troubled" by fighting on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States is troubled by reports of fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on on Tuesday, November 16.

Azerbaijan launched a new provocation in the province of Syunik, shelling the Armenian positions and using artillery and armored vehicles. Authorities have confirmed the death of one soldier. Although the Defense Ministry has not provided a specific number of injuries, it has revealed that the Armenian side has also lost two positions in Syunik, while 12 soldiers have been captured. The Defense Ministry revealed on Wednesday that the army has lost contact with 24 servicemen.

"We call on both sides to engage directly and constructively to resolve all outstanding issues, including border demarcation," Blinken wrote on Twitter.   In a statement published by the Secretary of State, the U.S. urged "both sides" to take immediate concrete steps to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation.

"As noted in the Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ statement on November 15, the recent increase in tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan underscores the need for a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the statement said.