Russian Defence Minister Holds Phone Talks With Armenian, Azerbaijani Counterparts

Sergei Shoigu

MOSCOW, Oct 8 (NNN-TASS) – Russian Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, held phone talks with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts, to discuss the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

“On the evening of Oct 7, Russian Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu held talks by telephone with Armenian Defence Minister, David Tonoyan, and Azerbaijani Defence Minister, Zakir Hasanov,” it said.

“During the talks, the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed,” it added.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at loggerheads, over the mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh since 1988. Peace talks have been held since 1994, when a ceasefire was reached, but there have been occasional minor clashes.

A new round of armed conflict broke out on Sept 27, along the contact line of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The clashes, which are still going on, have reportedly caused heavy casualties and equipment loss.