Azernews.Az

The Club de Madrid has called on all the parties to strictly respect the cease-fire and avoid any actions or statements that could lead to further escalation.

“The Club de Madrid has been following with deep concern the reports of heavy fighting along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh which have resulted in a number of reported casualties, including civilians. The Club de Madrid deplores the loss of lives these clashes are causing and extend our condolences to all the families affected,” the statement reads.

“Unstable situation on the ground demonstrates why the sides must enter into an immediate negotiation under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs on a comprehensive settlement of the conflict”.

The Club de Madrid considers there is no military solution, welcomes that according to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a key priority for the European Union” and expects both sides to resume efforts towards a peaceful solution of the conflict based on the Madrid Principles and the United Nations Security Council resolutions.”

The situation on the frontline aggravated on April 2 after the Armenian military units in the occupied lands started shelling Azerbaijan’s positions. To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook several strategic positions.

The hostilities renewed in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan on April 4, as the Armenian side continued to shell the Azerbaijani positions although the Azerbaijani side announced unilateral ceasefire on April 3.

The Azerbaijani Army destroyed about 370 enemy soldiers since the start of the hostilities, according to the defense ministry.

Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed to cease operations on the line of contact starting from 12.00, April 5.

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