Border conflict breaks out between Armenia, Azerbaijan as Russia distracted by Ukraine
Azerbaijan’s close ally Turkey condemns Yerevan for escalation of conflict two years after a cease-fire.
ISTANBUL — Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday called for Russia-allied Armenia to halt “provocations” on its border with Azerbaijan amid claims Baku is seeking to exploit Russia’s focus on Ukraine to reignite a conflict with its neighbor.
Cavusoglu, whose country backs Azerbaijan, said he had discussed overnight clashes with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. “Armenia should cease its provocations and focus on peace negotiations and cooperation with Azerbaijan,” Cavusoglu tweeted.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar also spoke by phone with his opposite number in Azerbaijan, his office said.
“Expressing his reaction to Armenia’s aggressive attitude and provocative actions, he emphasized that Turkey has always stood by brotherly Azerbaijan and will continue to stand by it in its just causes,” the ministry added.
