Kremlin concerned about Azerbaijan-Armenia border clashes

The Kremlin is deeply concerned about the deadly clashes on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

"We urge both sides to exercise restraint and comply with their obligations under the ceasefire," Peskov told reporters at a daily briefing.

Russia is ready to mediate between the two sides to resolve the conflict, he said, adding that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had held phone conversations with his counterparts in Baku and Yerevan.

The armed clashes reportedly erupted on Sunday in the Tavush region between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with both sides trading accusations over which started the fighting and violated the ceasefire.

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 along the borders.