Stanislav Zas, Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) – a military alliance of which Armenia is a member – has expressed "serious concern" about the danger of further escalation of tension on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to a statement from the organization.

In the wee hours of July 28, the Azerbaijani armed forces attacked the Armenian positions in Gegharkunik province, triggering local battles. Three Armenian troops were killed, five others were wounded in the process, the Defense Ministry said, adding that the Azerbaijani forces have been thwarted back to their positions. The Azerbaijanis fired on Armenian positions on July 29 too, injuring one more soldier.

Zas maintained that further escalation could negatively affect the implementation of the trilateral statement signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia on November 10, 2020.

"We consider the use of force unacceptable. To resolve contradictions, only political and diplomatic methods should be used," Zas added, welcoming Russia's efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation in the region.