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The European People's Party (EPP) is greatly concerned by recent military hostilities at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, it said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We strongly condemn the violations of the internationally recognised border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We unequivocally reject the use of force or threat of force as a means to achieve political goals in the region,” the EPP said.

“We underline the vital need for international prevention mechanisms and for an international investigation of military clashes, including meaningful relevant sanctions against aggressors.

“Long-lasting peace in the region is possible through comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, grounded on the Basic Principles proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs,” reads the statement.

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a Russia-mediated ceasefire on Tuesday evening, ending the heavy fighting that started after Azerbaijan’s attack on the Armenian positions along the eastern border section.

According to a statement by Armenia’s Defense Ministry, 13 Armenian soldiers were captured by Azerbaijani forces and 24 others went missing as a result of border clashes. One Armenian contract soldier, identified as Meruzhan Harutyunyan, was killed in the fighting.