Artsakh Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan has accused Azerbaijan and Turkey, and the terrorists supporting them, of violating international laws by targeting civilians in the ongoing fighting along the Artsakh-Azerbaijan border.

Mayilyan, at a press conference in Stepanakert, noted that the international community, members of the UN Security Council and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have called for an end to hostilities and the start of peace talks.

"Azerbaijan and Turkey rudely ignore the calls of the international community, the calls of Russia, the United States and France to stop the war. Thus, we considered it appropriate to call on the international community to recognize Artsakh's independence," Mayilyan said.

He said this step can become a lever to maintain peace in the region.

Touching upon the policy pursued by Azerbaijan, Mayilyan noted that it is meaningless to speak about Azerbaijan separately, as it plays the role of a "puppet". Turkey does the main diplomatic work.

He argued the military successes on the frontline will bring successes on the diplomatic front.

As for Ukraine's statement that it recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Mayilyan said that this is not new, as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Azerbaijan have shared the same position.

Mayilyan said that the 1994 demarcation line, agreed upon by the parties, should be restored and Azerbaijan achieved some small success in 2016 because it was violated.

"This gave them the opportunity to start a war four years later. Small territorial achievements have led to the start of a big war. Azerbaijan should not gain any territory during this war. And it is the duty of the international community to mediate. We must strive to restore that front line,” Mayilyan said.