Washington. November 17th. INTERFAX - The United States expressed concern about the aggravation of the situation near the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and called for efforts aimed at preventing an escalation of tension.
"The United States is deeply concerned by reports of today's intense fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We urge both sides to take immediate concrete measures to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation," the US State Department said in a statement.
It notes that Washington called on the parties "to engage directly and constructively to resolve all outstanding issues, including the demarcation of the border."
The State Department recalled that the statement of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs of November 15 emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and sustainable negotiated settlement of all outstanding issues related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict or arising from it.
As the Russian Defense Ministry reported yesterday, Azerbaijan and Armenia stopped fighting near the border after telephone talks held by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
"Currently, clashes in the area of Mount Kilisali have been stopped, the situation has normalized and is under control," the military department said in a statement.
