Religious leaders call for withdrawing snipers from Contact Line

Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims' Board Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur and the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, Kiril II have met in Yerevan on the sidelines of the CIS Inter-Religious Council.

Speaking after the meeting, the Russian patriarch addressed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, highlighting the importance of a negotiated settlement.

"All the three parties express their commitment to the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict. We are willing to support the principle of non-use of force, which inspires a resolute trust in the peace process. In addition to the agreement on returning the prisoners of war and dead bodies, we also request the withdrawal of snipers from the Contact Line to avoid victims. So, the refusal to use force should also apply to that," he said.

The Russian patriarch added they respect the current processes between the Armenia and Azerbaijan, praying for the establishment of peace and justice in the region.