The State Duma on Tuesday adopted a statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, in which it calls on both sides to cease fire and expresses its readiness to provide mediation assistance for a peaceful settlement.
In particular, the Russian deputies "express serious concern over the sharp escalation of the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, which led to numerous human casualties, and strongly condemn the use of force by the parties."
"The State Duma declares the need for an immediate cease-fire, preventing the escalation of the confrontation in the region, and there is no alternative to a peaceful settlement of the situation. The State Duma deputies call on the parties to return to the negotiation process as soon as possible and are ready to provide mediation assistance in stabilizing the situation," the text reads.
On September 27, Baku announced intensive shelling of the positions of the Azerbaijani army by Armenia. In turn, Yerevan was informed about the offensive of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh and the shelling of settlements of the unrecognized Republic, including its administrative center Stepanakert. Both sides reported dead and wounded, including among the civilian population. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have declared martial law and mobilization.
Baku and Yerevan have disputed the ownership of Nagorno-Karabakh since February 1988, when the region declared secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. During the 1992-1994 armed conflict, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding areas.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials TASS