The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia (MFA) strongly condemned the provocative actions of the Azerbaijani side on the border with Armenia on 16-17 August, which are clearly aimed at endangering the efforts being made towards de-escalation and threatening regional security and peace.
In a statement issued by the Ministry, it is noted that on 16 August, the armed forces of Azerbaijan undertook provocative actions in border areas of the Republic of Armenia — near the settlement of Yeraskh, in the vicinity of Sev Lake in Syunik Province, and in the direction of Gegharkunik Province — targeting the peaceful population of border communities.
Fire from weapons of various calibres by the armed forces of Azerbaijan continued on 17 August as well in the Sotk section of Gegharkunik Province.
«In addition, as a result of the shooting carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, on 16 August, serviceman of the RA Armed Forces Vahan Tatosyan received a fatal gunshot wound from a sniper shot in the Yeraskh section, and in the direction of Gegharkunik Province, serviceman Arman Hagopyan was wounded by fire from the enemy. On 17 August, one serviceman of the RA Armed Forces received a gunshot wound. Expressing deep condolences and support to the family members and relatives of the fallen servicemen, as well as wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded serviceman, the RA MFA deemed it noteworthy that these actions are accompanied by threats voiced by Azerbaijan’s highest leadership regarding the use of force against Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and against Artsakh. We strongly condemn the provocative actions by the Azerbaijani side, which are clearly aimed at endangering the efforts being made towards de-escalation and undermining regional security and peace. They are intended to obstruct the resumption of peaceful negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship, as well as to derail the process of regional unblocking and the opening of all means of communication», the Ministry stressed, adding that the Republic of Armenia will consistently defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination and to live in their homeland.
