The UN is concerned over the escalation of tension in Nagorno-Karabakh. 

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, informed about the aforementioned at Thursday’s press briefing. 

“I was asked offline about our reaction to the ongoing tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh,” he stated. “I can tell you that, as the Secretary-General underlined on 22 June, we are increasingly concerned over the deteriorating security environment, including the most recent cease-fire violations along the Line of Contact and in the broader Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

“We took note of and echo the [OSCE Minsk Group] Co-Chairs’ recent statement with reference to the renewed violence on 4 July at Alkhanli village of Fizuli region, which resulted in casualties, including among civilians. We call upon the sides to refrain from any military action, and strongly urge them to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence. An early return to the negotiations table in good faith is the only way to resolve this long-standing and dangerous conflict.”

On Tuesday evening, the Azerbaijani armed forces, which are located nearby Alkhanli village, fired shells on the positions of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Defense Army. A 52-year-old Azerbaijani woman and a 2-year-old girl died in the ensuing exchange of fire.