Low-level exchanges of fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan have occurred over the past week as intensive diplomatic efforts around the peace process continue.
Over the past week, fighting was reported by both the Armenian and Azerbaijani ministries of defense on 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 June. Both sides traded accusations of provocation and disinformation, although neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan has reported any losses during the low-level fighting.
Most recently, on Wednesday morning (14 June), at 11.30am the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense issued a statement accusing Armenian armed forces stationed in the direction of Yeraskh of opening fire on Azerbaijani positions stationed in the direction of Heydarabad, in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan region. The statement added that the Azerbaijani Army took "retaliatory measures".
The Armenian Defence Ministry, however, released a statement just after midday calling Azerbaijan's accusation "disinformation", before accusing Azerbaijan of opening fire at a metallurgical plant under construction in Yeraskh at 11.45am, wounding 2 people.
U.S. "looks forward" to rescheduled Armenia-Azerbaijan talks in Washington
As low-level fighting across the Armenian and Azerbaijani border continues, diplomatic efforts around the peace process continue.
In a press conference on Tuesday (13 June), the U.S. Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Washington was looking forward to hosting another round of talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan were scheduled to meet on 12 June in Washington D.C., however the meeting was cancelled at the request of the Azerbaijani side, "100% due to scheduling issues" according to Matthew Miller.
"We look forward to hosting another round of talks in Washington as the parties continue to pursue a peaceful dialogue for the South Caucasus region," said Miller.
"As we’ve said before, we believe direct dialogue is key to resolving the remaining issues. We believe an agreement is within reach. This meeting unfortunately couldn’t go forward 100% due to scheduling issues, and we look forward to rescheduling it as soon as we can."
source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: Aze.media