Russia "concerned about escalation" on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is concerned about the recent escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and is calling on the sides to resolve all issues exclusively through political and diplomatic means, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, told reporters on Thursday, January 13.

Three Armenian soldiers – Artur Mkhitaryan, Rudik Gharibyan (both born in 2002) and Vahan Babayan (b. 2003) – were killed in Azerbaijan's latest provocation on January 11, the Defense Ministry has said. Two other servicemen were injured in fighting.

"We are seriously concerned about another escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. We call on the parties to refrain from using force and resolve all issues exclusively through political and diplomatic means," the diplomat said, according to TASS.

Zakharova noted that the main "recipe" for ensuring a long-term stability and security in the region is the launch of the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border with its subsequent demarcation as soon as possible. She went on to cite the joint statement of the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia in Sochi on November 26, 2021 as a basis for the process.

"It is important to work towards the creation of a relevant bilateral commission. Russia is ready to provide all-round consultative assistance," Zakharova added.