Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Matthew Miller has commented on the death of four Armenians troops by the Azerbaijani military on February 13, maintaining that the use of force undermines negotiations.

“We are concerned by the reports of deadly military-to-military clashes which resulted in several casualties. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and injured,” Miller told a briefing.

“The use of force undermines negotiations. The only way to a sustainable peace is at the negotiating table. Any ceasefire violations should be investigated and properly addressed. As the Secretary continually emphasizes, the United States is committed to Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations.”

Later in the day, Yerevan called on Baku to return to negotiations and refrain from steps that destabilize the situation.