Kremlin urges restraint over Nagorno-Karabakh

Russia on Thursday urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to observe the cease-fire and avoid escalating tensions in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"No doubt, we still expect the conflicting sides will avoid any steps that may violate a rather fragile cease-fire and lead to the escalation of tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh in general," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Earlier Thursday, the Armenian government approved draft legislation on the recognition of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. The bill is being considered by Parliament.

Peskov was quoted by Tass new agency as saying that the draft legislation has not been discussed between Armenia and Russia, adding that Moscow is "carefully monitoring the decisions taken in this context."

Brutal fighting broke out on April 2 between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. A cease-fire was reached on April 5.

However, the conflicts have not ceased, and Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of violating the cease-fire. Endi