Russia concerned over escalation of tensions in Karabakh conflict zone

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed concerned over escalation of tensions in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone.

In its statement, the ministry mentioned increased violation of ceasefire at the line of contact, with a number of deaths and injuries reported, among servicemen and peaceful population as well.

The statement warned of inevitable negative repercussions should the tensions continue, thus threatening implementation of agreement reached at the November 19, 2013 Vienna summit.

The ministry urged conflicting sides to undertake immediate action to stabilize the situation, in line with the February 4, 1995 ceasefire deal.

Simultaneous attempts of penetration by the Azerbaijani subversive groups were recorded on January 19-20 in the north-eastern (Jraberd) and south-eastern (Korgan) directions of the line of contact of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing armies. The front units of the Armed Forces of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic noticed the actions of the Azerbaijani subversive groups and started an organized defense in both directions. The rival was thrown back suffering palpable human and material losses. Junior Sergeant Armen Hovhannisyan died from the wounds he received during the exchange of fire in the north-eastern direction.

Also, as a result of the continuous firing from the Azerbaijani side, a 16-year-old girl was wounded in her leg Thursday, Jan 23 night in Aygepar village of Armenia’s Tavush province.

Intensive fire was registered in the direction of Armenian border villages of Nerkin Karmraghbyur, Aygepar, Chinari and Movses, RA Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan confirmed to PanARMENIAN.Net

The injured girl underwent a surgery in the hospital of Berd town and later discharged, according to Ankakh.com.

“The Azeris fired upon houses, roofs. Now the firing has stopped,” one of Aygepar residents told Razm.info.

According to Nerkin Karmraghbyur’s page on Facebook, the firing ceased at about 5 am Friday. No one was injured; roofs of some houses were damaged.

Earlier, village administration head Manvel Kamendatyan said that the electricity was turned off to avoid ignition.

Meanwhile, Azeri media outlets spread reports alleging that a woman was wounded by Armenians. However, no official comments followed.