Iran Welcomes Truce in Karabakh
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry welcomed an agreement between the government of Republic of Azerbaijan and the Armenian residents of the Nagorno-Karabakh region to stop fighting, calling for a negotiated solution to the conflicts.
On Tuesday, Azerbaijan Republic launched a military operation in the region, accusing the Armenian-backed forces there of "systematic" shelling, "reconnaissance activities," fortification of defensive positions, and "high-level of combat readiness."
Later, however, the separatist Armenian forces reported that mediation by the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent stationed in the region had resulted in both sides' agreeing to the truce.
The two sides also said that talks on reintegration of the breakaway region into the rest of Azerbaijan, which is internationally recognized as having sovereignty over the territory, would be held in the Azeri city of Yevlakh on Thursday.
Speaking on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani expressed delight on the part of the Islamic Republic over emergence of the agreement, urging that the two sides focus on resolving their dispute based on "dialogue and peaceful mechanisms" within the framework on Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.
War brings along no result other than ruination and spreading hatred and endangers the region's stability and security, he said.
Hailing the agreement, the spokesperson said there existed no more reason for prolongation of hostilities in the region, and hoped that the region would not witness anymore warfare, Press TV reported.
"The Islamic Republic demands complete respect for the territorial integrity and recognized international borders of the regional countries, and is of the opinion that the rights and security of the residents of Karabakh should be provided within the same framework," Kanaani stated.
He voiced Tehran's readiness to contribute to relevant sustainable peace processes, and asserted that intervention by third parties in the region would only complicate existing issues and jeopardizes standing agreements.
