May 14, 2021 - 11:49 AMT
Putin stresses need for honoring truce amid Armenia-Azerbaijan row

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed the need to strictly honor the ceasefire in South Caucasus and comply with previously reached agreements, when discussing the recent unrest on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

According to a press release from the Kremlin, the Russian side on Thursday, May 13 reaffirmed its commitment to continue active mediation efforts and maintain close contacts with Yerevan and Baku to ensure stability in the region.

Pashinyan, meanwhile, spoke in favor of a constructive dialogue and interaction so that all problems are resolved exclusively by peaceful, political and diplomatic means.

The Armenian side too provided a press release, revealing that Pashinyan and Putin agreed that the situation will be settled when the Azerbaijani troops return to their positions.

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).