““We strongly condemn Baku’s unprecedented aggravation of the situation on the line of contact with Artsakh, which caused numerous human casualties,” Nalbandian stressed. 

  We extend our deepest condolences to the relatives of the deceased soldiers of the Artsakh Defense Army.

The escalation of tension in the conflict zone due to Azerbaijani provocations ahead of each high-level meeting has become regularity. Baku has the illusion that it can negotiate by use of weapons. Despite the numerous appeals made by the countries of the Co-Chairs on excluding use of force, Azerbaijan engages in new adventurism. By such actions, Baku attempts to divert the negotiation process from the objective of establishing peace and settlement of the issue.

In this situation, concrete steps aimed at reducing tension have become imperative.  We expect that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries will take practical steps in this direction.”