Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 24
By Ilkin Izzet - Trend:
The representative office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Azerbaijan has today expressed regret at the frequent violations of the ceasefire on the contact line between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, head of the ICRC representative office, Denise Duran told journalists on Friday in Baku.
"The representative office is closely monitoring the tense situation in the region, and keeps in contact with local authorities and intends to visit these areas after stabilization of the situation," she said.
Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said that the Armenian armed forces violated the ceasefire status in different positions 93 times per day.
An Armenian sabotage and intelligence group attempted to cross the contact line of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in the direction of the Tartar region between the settlements of Qapali and Seysulan, Friday at 6:00, according to the ministry's message.
The Armenians' attempt was suppressed due to the vigilance of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. After a fierce firefight, the Armenian units were forced to retreat.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the U.S. are currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.
Translated by E.A.
Edited C.N.