All conflicts should be solved exclusively through peaceful means – Belarus MFA

YEREVAN, JULY 14, ARMENPRESS. The Foreign Ministry of Belarus issued a statement over the recent days' situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border, noting that all conflicts must be solved exclusively through peaceful ways.

ARMENPRESS reports the statement runs as follows,

''The Republic of Belarus is deeply concerned over the continuing escalation of the situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border. All conflicts should be solved through exclusively peaceful ways, negotiations and other international authorized tools. Use of force can only worsen the situation. We call on the sides to adhere to the ceasefire regime and refrain from any step that can lead to further escalation or casualties''.

The Ministry hopes that Baku and Yerevan will restore direct dialogue, will demonstrate prudency characteristic for both peoples, acknowledging the responsibility for the stability in the entire region.

''We also expect that all the friendly countries for Azerbaijan and Armenia will use their reputation for the de-escalation, including in the sidelines of the OSCE Minsk-Group'', reads the statement.

The Azerbaijani armed forces launched an attack on an Armenian military base located in Tavush province on July 12, using artillery, mortars and UAVs. In addition, the Azerbaijani side also shelled the town of Chinari in the province with mortars, damaging civilian homes. On July 14 the Azerbaijani armed forces continued targeting the civilian infrastructures of the Armenian town of Berd, using an attacking drone. 4 servicemen have died from the Armenian side.

Azerbaijan has reported 11 deaths, including a Major-General and a Colonel.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan