Russia has offered to hold talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia on its soil. Clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh have intensified for the past five days. Heavy weapons, including mortar shells and tanks, are being used by both countries against each other during the clashes. On the other hand, both countries have rejected calls for a ceasefire from the international community.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has telephoned the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia to offer talks on his territory. The Azerbaijani president says the question of a ceasefire does not arise unless the Armenian army evacuates our territory unconditionally and immediately. Azerbaijan will fight to the last for its sovereignty and integrity.
Armenia, meanwhile, has rejected the international community’s call for a ceasefire. Dozens of soldiers from both countries have been killed since the fighting began on Sunday. Armenia’s state news agency says seven civilians and 80 soldiers have been killed so far. Azerbaijani officials say 14 civilians have been killed and more than 50 wounded so far.
It should be noted that Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. But since the end of the war between the two countries in 1994, it has been governed by people of Armenian descent.
