Russian Foreign Ministry expresses serious concern regarding the increase in tension in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

"Over the past few days, violations of the ceasefire have been registered. On March 5, an armed incident took place, as a result of which there were victims on both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides.

We call on the parties to show restraint and take steps to defuse the situation. We reaffirm to strictly observe the provisions of the statement of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia of November 9, 2020, on the ceasefire and all military operations in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone.

Any issue related to security and life assurance in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping force must be resolved peacefully.

The incident once again confirms the imperative for Baku and Yerevan to return to negotiations as soon as possible within the framework of the implementation of the provisions of the tripartite statements, including in connection with the unblocking of regional communications, the demarcation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the preparation of a peace treaty."

It should be reminded that the Artsakh Ministry of Internal Affairs police reported that around 10:00 a.m. on March 5, a sabotage group of the Azerbaijani armed forces targeted and opened fire on the shift car of the police passport and visa department staff in the area called "Khaipalu".

As a result of the subversive infiltration, 3 police officers were killed, and another officer received a gunshot wound to the chest and is in the Republican Medical Center.