By Aamir Latif
KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Pakistan condemned on Tuesday Armenia's recent provocative attack on Azerbaijan's army, saying the unresolved bilateral conflict "pose serious threat to regional peace."
"Pakistan strongly condemns the attack by Armenian forces in the Tovuz district of Azerbaijan on July 12, 2020, which resulted in several Azeri casualties. We extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved families, " the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
At least four Azerbaijani soldiers were martyred and three others injured when Armenian forces violated a cease-fire, and targeted positions held by Azerbaijani army on Sunday.
In response to the Armenia's weekend attack, the Azerbaijani army launched counterattacks Monday with cannon shots. The positions of the Armenian army, military radar station, vehicle depot, tanks and armored vehicles were hit, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry said in a statement. More than 20 personnel from the Armenian army were killed in the attack, it added.
Islamabad said the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict poses a serious threat to regional peace and security with far-reaching consequences.
"The recent provocative action is manifestation of the Armenian attempt to distract the international community and hamper the ongoing negotiation process for peaceful resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions," the statement said.
"Pakistan reaffirms its principled position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reiterates its support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan."
Upper Karabakh, or Nagorno-Karabakh, an internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan, is under Armenia's illegal occupation since 1991.
Several countries, including Turkey and Russia, have condemned and expressed concern over the attack.
