It does not make headlines but the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh has seen fierce fighting in recent days between Azeri government forces and ethnic Armenian separatists, with some 15 soldiers reported dead.<br /><br />It is described as the worst flare-up of violence in years for the breakaway enclave that lies within Azerbaijan, but has a majority Armenian population. Russia has expressed concern, saying any escalation would be unacceptable.<br /><br />Azerbaijan’s relations with Armenia remain severely strained <br /><br />Nagorno-Karabakh has run its own affairs, backed by Armenia, since the outbreak of war two decades ago, which killed around 30,000 people.<br /><br />Despite a 1994 ceasefire, international mediation has failed to secure a permanent settlement.
