July 6, 2017 - 13:38 AMT
Russia urges Karabakh sides to "stabilize the situation"

Russia calls on the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict to take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation, Russian foreign ministry spokespersonMaria Zakharova said Thursday, July 6.

"According to information received from the sides of the conflict, on the evening of July 4 ceasefire violations took place, which resulted in human casualties, including among civilians," Zakharova told a briefing.

"We believe further bloodshed is unacceptable, we call on the parties to take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation."

"We support the statement of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, which emphasizes the need to end violence and resume negotiations," the spokeswoman added.

Azerbaijan on Tuesday violated the ceasefire on the contact line with Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), using various caliber mortars and even employed a TR-107 rocket engine in the south of the frontline. Artsakh Defense Army opened retaliatory fire to suppress the rival’s attacks. During the incident, two civilians - a 52-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl from Azerbaijan - were killed.