RUSSIA URGES CONFLICTING PARTIES IN NAGORNO KARABAKH TO STOP CONFRONTATION

Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS
March 5, 2008
Russia

Russia has urged the parties in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict to stop
the confrontation.

"We urge both sides to concentrate on the earliest possible return to
the status quo, and while doing so, to make use of all opportunities
envisioned in the agreement to strengthen the ceasefire of February 4
1995," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Wednesday.

Moscow was upset to learn that armed clashes with the use of heavy
weapons erupted in Nagorno Karabakh early on Match 4, the Russian
Foreign Ministry said.

"What is important now is to prevent this from deteriorating into
mass fighting that could spill over to other parts of the frontline,"
the ministry said.