Blinken: Recent increase in tension stresses need for comprehensive and sustainable Karabakh settlement

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement on the increased tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

“The United States is deeply concerned about reports of intensive fighting today between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We urge both sides to take immediate concrete steps to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation.  We also call on the sides to engage directly and constructively to resolve all outstanding issues, including border demarcation,” he said.

“As noted in the Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ statement on November 15, the recent increase in tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan underscores the need for a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” reads the statement.

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a Russia-brokered ceasefire at the border on Tuesday, ending the heavy fighting launched after Azerbaijan’s fresh attack on the Armenian positions in the eastern border section.

The clashes left 12 Armenian soldiers captured and four wounded. One Armenian contract soldier, identified as Meruzhan Harutyunyan, has been confirmed dead in the fighting so far. Armenia has also lost two combat positions, the Defense Ministry said.