The United States mourns the death of the Armenian servicemember Hrach Manasaryan on March 7, the statement issued by the US Mission to the OSCE reads.
The statement said that tragic and avoidable death underscored the need for greater restraint, for forces to distance themselves from each other in the contested border areas, and for intensified diplomatic engagement to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues.
"We urge the parties to make progress on humanitarian issues such as the full release of all remaining detainees, sharing information to identify the fate of missing persons, humanitarian demining, and moving forward on investigations of alleged human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.
The United States has contributed $5 million in humanitarian assistance this year to support conflict-affected populations in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The United States further remains committed to promoting a secure, stable, democratic, prosperous, and peaceful future for the South Caucasus." the statement reads.
At around 12:40 pm on 7 March, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened targeted fire at Armenian combat positions on the western section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. As a result of the shelling two Armenian servicemen were wounded. Contract sergeant Hrach Manasaryan died on the way to hospital.
