According to the statement, Guterres condemned the use of force and regrets the loss of life and the toll on the civilian population.

“The Secretary-General strongly calls on the sides to immediately stop fighting, de-escalate tensions and return to meaningful negotiations without delay. He will be speaking to both the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia,” the statement said.

It also underlined that the Secretary-General reiterated his full support for the important role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and urged the sides to work closely with them for an urgent resumption of dialogue without preconditions. (ILKHA)