Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Comments on Azerbaijani Gunfire Near Nerkhin Hand

The Russian side has consistently called on both participants in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict resolution process to exercise maximum restraint along the contact line. This was stated by Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, in an interview with Izvestia, commenting on the gunfire by Azerbaijani forces towards Armenian positions in the Nerkhin Hand area on February 13, which resulted in four casualties.

“In connection with the incident that occurred in the Armenian-Azerbaijani border zone, I want to reiterate that we call on both sides to exercise mutual restraint in order to prevent incidents, especially those related to gunfire, casualties, and injuries. Such incidents, of course, cannot contribute to creating a positive atmosphere for the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. Once again, I emphasize that the beginning of any ‘hot’ phase of confrontation does not contribute to the atmosphere of joint efforts aimed at resolving relations and promoting the peace process,” said Galuzin.