As Nagorno-Karabakh violence flares, Ban Ki-moon urges 'immediate end to fighting'

Deeply disturbed by the recent reports of large-scale ceasefire violations along the Line of Contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged all relevant parties to put an immediate end to the fighting and take urgent steps to de-escalate the situation.

A statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson said the UN chief is particularly concerned by the reported use of heavy weapons and by the large numbers of casualties, including among the civilian population.

“The Secretary-General urges all relevant parties to put an immediate end to the fighting, fully respect the ceasefire agreement and take urgent steps to de-escalate the situation,” said the statement.

Mr. Ban through his statement reiterated his full support for the efforts of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group and all parties working to resolve this dangerous situation and pursue a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Nagorno-Karabakh, which was an autonomous region during Soviet times, has been at the centre of a dispute between neighbouring Armenia and Azerbaijan since they became independent in the early 1990s.
 [un.org]
2-3/4/16
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Related:

• Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (EEAS - 2/4/16) 

• Putin calls for an immediate ceasefire in Karabakh