China urges restraint by parties involved in Nagorno-Karabakh clash

China Thursday urged calmness and restraint after clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where Armenia and Azerbaijan have a territorial dispute.
  
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remarks while commenting on an exchange of fire in the region on June 18.
  
"China consistently holds a clear stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue," Qin said, adding that China hopes the disputes will be settled peacefully, Xinhua reported.
  
Stressing that there is no change in China's stance, Qin expressed China's hope that the parties concerned have enough political wisdom to find a solution through negotiation and dialogue.
  
He said such an outcome is in the interests of both Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as regional peace, stability and development.