YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The American OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, James Warlick, describes the 4-day long tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border and especially the injuries of civilians as worrying and stresses that the co-chairs strictly call the sides to take all precautionary measures to prevent shooting in civilians surroundings. In an interview with “Armenpress” the co-chair emphasizes the necessity of political will to settle the conflict around negotiation table, not on the battlefield.

“We are extremely troubled by reports of civilian areas being targeted by military forces. We appeal to the sides in the strongest possible terms to take every precaution against firing in the vicinity of the civilian population. Armenian and Azerbaijani forces have a humanitarian obligation to protect civilian lives. As we have stressed before, the leadership in Armenia and Azerbaijan needs to find the political will to reach a resolution of the conflict at the negotiation table, not on the battlefield”, Warlick said.

Starting from August 31, Azerbaijan escalated the situation on the border and keeps dozens of bordering villages of Tavush Province under fire. According to official statements issued by the MOD of the Republic of Armenia, the rival uses 60, 80 and 122mm mortars and snipers. The latest shootings caused 7 injuries 5 of which are civilians. Unfortunately, contract soldier Hayk Tevosyan died.