Russia says willing to mediate between Armenia and AzerbaijanJuly 17, 2020 - 17:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia has expressed willingness to mediate between Armenia and Azerbaijan amid the recent escalation between the two countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the matter with the country's Security Council and expressed concern over the ongoing escalation. Peskov said the meeting featured "a detailed exchange of views" on the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. He said those attending the meeting expressed extreme concern over the situation and urgent need for the parties to ensure ceasefire, According to Peskov, Russia has also expressed willingness to mediate. Since the situation escalated on the border on July 12, Azerbaijan has launched three unsuccessful infiltration attempts. Since the next morning, the Azerbaijani military has been firing on the Armenian positions, also using large caliber grenade launchers and combat drones to target civilian homes in several border settlements. Four servicemen of the Armenian army have been killed, while Azerbaijan has reported 12 deaths. Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency. Partner news | Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Russia confirms start of withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh The Kremlin has confirmed reports about the start of the withdrawal of Russian peacekeeping forces in Karabakh. France recalls its ambassador to Azerbaijan France on April 16 said it had recalled for consultations the French ambassador to Azerbaijan. Protesters rally as Georgia debates 'foreign agent' bill Georgian critics label the bill "the Russian law", comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent. |