Iran calls for restraint amid Armenia-Azerbaijan border crisis

PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the Islamic Republic is closely following developments along the Azerbaijan-Armenia borders, stressing the need for a peaceful settlement of disputes between the two countries, Tasnim News Agency reports.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is closely and sensitively following the developments of the past few days along the borders of the two neighboring countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan Republic,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Friday, May 15.

“Iran hopes that the dispute would be settled as soon as possible with the two sides' prudence and through peaceful ways.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran underlines the necessity of maintaining stability and calm in the region, and calls on both sides to show restraint, avoid fueling the disagreements, and respect the two countries’ borders,’ he added.

He also expressed Iran’s preparedness to contribute to the peaceful settlement of the two countries’ differences including the recent dispute.

On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province).