Russia concerned about escalation on Armenia–Azerbaijan border

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is concerned about any escalation of tension on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday, July 22.

"Of course, we accept any manifestations of escalation of tension in certain sections of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border with concern. And, of course, this has an extremely negative effect on the regional situation and does not contribute to the normalization of dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, leading to unnecessary losses among the population of the two countries," TASS cited her as saying.

Zakharova also expressed condolences over the death of an Armenian soldier in Azerbaijan's shooting days earlier.

The diplomat also noted that the immediate launch of work on the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan can ensure sustainable de-escalation, maintaining that Russia is ready to back up efforts by providing cartographic information.

"The Russian side has prepared a number of documents that can channel the discussion onto a constructive path," she added.

Azerbaijani forces violated Armenia’s border in several sections in the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik on May 12 and 13 and are still refusing to withdraw their troops from the area. Two Armenian servicemen were killed in Azerbaijan’s shooting, while six troops were captured on May 27, although four of them have already returned home.