The UN Security Council is urging Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume dialogue to end the latest round of heavy fighting over disputed territory.

Niger's UN ambassador, who serves as Security Council president, read out a press statement on the conflict following an emergency session on Tuesday.

In the statement, council members expressed concern at reports of large-scale military actions, condemned the use of force by both sides, and regretted the loss of civilian lives.

The council members also backed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for an immediate halt to the fighting.

They expressed full support for a central role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in resolving the conflict.

The council urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to work with the OSCE for a resumption of dialogue.

Fighting broke out on Sunday over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The area in western Azerbaijan is mainly populated by ethnic Armenians.

The death toll on both sides from three days of fighting has reportedly reached 100, including civilians.

At the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan traded accusations over which side started the conflict.