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Despite the fact that the agreement collapsed, certain points had to be agreed, such as not attacking civilians, mediators say.
A statement from France, Russia and the United States, the so-called Minsk Group, said the parties had been asked to “fully comply” with an earlier agreement.
Both parties, according to the statement, “began an open and comprehensive exchange of views in order to clarify their negotiating positions” on points of the agreement signed in Moscow on October 10.
However, that, as well as two subsequent ceasefire agreements, the most recent of which was negotiated less than a week ago, have failed to stop the fighting.
Russia professes color
The collapsed ceasefire comes as the tone in the region rises.
On Saturday the message came from Russia that they are ready to offer Armenia the “necessary help” if the fighting reaches the Armenian territories.
“Russia will offer Yerevan all possible assistance in case the fighting spreads to Armenian territories,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The statement comes shortly after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pasjinjan pleaded guilty in a letter to Russian assistance in the armed conflict.
International concern
Although Russia, along with the United States and France in the Minsk Group, has assumed a mediating role, Moscow has a defense pact with Armenia. On the other side is Turkey, which supports Azerbaijan.
The Russian message raises even more concern that the conflict will spread further internationally.
“One step closer to a great war?” Former US Ambassador Carey Cavanaugh asks on Twitter after the announcement.
Over 1,200 people from both sides of the conflict have been reported dead since fighting broke out. However, the actual death toll is believed to be higher.
