U.S. concerned about “Karabakh escalation itself, not the source”December 10, 2015 - 10:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The recent escalation of violence in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone and the use of heavy weapons are unacceptable, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said Wednesday, December 9. “Today we express our deep condolences to the families of those who died or were injured in recent incidents in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” John Kirby said at a daily press briefing. “We call for the sides to strictly adhere to the ceasefire regimen.” Kirby also reminded that those attacks do not conform to the commitment by the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict peacefully. “Later this month the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs will hold the next presidential summit. We call on the sides to take all steps to avoid violence and to improve the atmosphere for negotiations to take place in good faith at the summit,” he noted. In response to a question on whether tensions between Turkey and Russia may have contributed to the escalation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the spokesman said the U.S. is “concerned about the escalation itself and not necessarily the source. Obviously, in both cases we want to see tensions de-escalated and for cool heads to prevail. But rather than do a cause and effect, let me just state we’re – as I said, we’re concerned about this violence and we are certainly – continue to monitor and watch the relations between Turkey and Russia, particularly over the shootdown a couple weeks ago. We want to see the tensions de-escalate.” Related links: 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. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. Family of Ilham Aliyev’s security chief owns vast property in UK As head of security for Azerbaijan’s president, Eyyubov is closely trusted by one of the world’s most authoritarian leaders. Armenian army holding strategic command, staff drills Live firing will be carried out using automatic control systems and modern equipment. |