Russia says it is 'seriously concerned' by tensions in Karabakh

Russia said on Monday that it was "seriously concerned" by rising tensions in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a day after Azerbaijani troops and ethnic Armenians exchanged fire there and at least five people were reported killed.

"We urge the parties to show restraint and take steps to de-escalate the situation," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.