Presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin discussed escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh by phone. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since the beginning of hostilities in the region.
The conversation was initiated by Baku.
"President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Russian President on his birthday and wished him new success in his state activities for the development and prosperity of Russia and good health," Aliyev's press service reported.
Vladimir Putin thanked his colleague for his attention and congratulations.
"The heads of state discussed the situation around the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. President Ilham Aliyev and President Vladimir Putin exchanged views on the prospects of Azerbaijani-Russian relations," the release adds.
The conflict began in February 1988, when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. As a result of the armed confrontation in 1992-1994, Baku lost control of the region and seven surrounding districts.
Since 1992, negotiations on a peaceful settlement have been going on within the OSCE Minsk Group led by Russia, the USA and France. Azerbaijan insists on preserving its territorial integrity, Armenia defends the interests of the unrecognized republic.
In the morning of September 27, the situation on the line of contact escalated. Baku and Yerevan put responsibility for it on each other. All participants announced full or partial mobilization. There are victims among civilians.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that Azerbaijan is actively supported by Turkey (NATO member). In its turn, Armenia is a member of the CSTO. The world community calls the parties for restraint.
Last week Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Emmanuelle Macron issued a statement condemning the escalation and calling for an immediate ceasefire as well as a resumption of negotiations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti