Tehran: Death of Azerbaijani toddler in latest clashes ‘heartbreaking’

"We’re saddened by the latest incidents, and we hope to see de-escalation and stability in the region."

The death of a two-year-old Azerbaijani girl and her grandmother in latest clashes is heartbreaking, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told a press conference on Monday as he was asked by an APA correspondent to comment on Armenia’s recent military provocation that claimed the lives of 2-year-old Zahra and her grandmother.  
 
On July 4 at about 20:40 (GMT+4 hours), the Armenian armed forces, using 82-mm and 120-mm mortars and grenade launchers, shelled the Alkhanli village of Azerbaijan’s Fuzuli district. As a result of this provocation, the residents of the village Sahiba Allahverdiyeva, 50, and Zahra Guliyeva, 2, were killed. Salminaz Guliyeva, 52, was injured.    
 
He noted that the growing confrontation and escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh benefits neither Iran nor the region.
 
“After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, when the escalation was already mounting in Nagorno-Karabakh, Iran took on the role of mediator and tried for a few months to ensure stability in the region,” said the spokesman, stressing that the growing escalation and confrontations today work for neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia.
 
“Unfortunately, some foreign elements at times try to escalate the situation in the region and deepen the disputes. We’re saddened by the latest incidents, and we hope to see de-escalation and stability in the region. We will keep working for this,” he added.
 
Qasemi said he hopes that the Minsk Group will do its part more seriously.
 
“Regrettably, the latest clashes killed a 2-year-old toddler and another civilian. This is extremely heartbreaking,” he said.
 
The spokesman went on to say: “Iran’s embassy in Azerbaijan has stated our country’s official stance on this issue. Our stance is apparent. We’re against any step likely to escalate the situation. We hope our recommendations will be acted upon. If we there is something we can do to de-escalate the station, we, without doubt, are ready to be of help.”

News.Az

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