The restoration of a political dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have been locked in a row over the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh area, is complicated by the worsening situation in the conflict zone and the increase in the number of casualties, including among civilians, according to Zakharova.
“We believe that further escalation is simply unacceptable. We urge the parties to renounce the use of force, to demonstrate the political will necessary to reach a compromise," Zakharova said.
A settlement to the conflict was discussed during the foreign ministers’ of Armenia and Azerbaijan visit to Moscow in April-May, Zakharova noted.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, co-chaired by the United States, Russia and France, has been mediating the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict since 1992.
According to Zakharova, Russia closely cooperates with the United States and France on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
In September, on the sidelines the UN General Assembly, Lavrov held a meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to discuss practical issues concerning the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in anticipation of the group’s visit to the area, scheduled to be held later this month.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated in February 1988, after the predominantly Armenian-populated Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. Tensions remain high despite a ceasefire agreement signed by the sides in 1994.
