Under the chairmanship of Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a meeting of Armenia’s Security Council was held on 19 September, during which it was stressed that Armenia will defend its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity by all means at its disposal, and that Azerbaijani forces must withdraw from Armenia’s occupied territories.
It was also announced that the number of dead and missing as a result of Azerbaijan’s attack has reached 207, the wounded 293, and the captured 20.
Below is the full text of the Security Council’s statement.
“On the night of 12-13 September 2022, the armed forces of Azerbaijan launched a large-scale aggression (attack) against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, using large-calibre weapons, artillery, missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.
“As a result of the aggression, the number of dead and missing reaches 207, including 3 civilians killed, the whereabouts of 2 civilians considered unknown, 293 servicemen and 7 civilians wounded, and 20 servicemen taken captive. There is evidence of cases of torture, mutilation and thus unlawful deprivation of life by Azerbaijanis of captured or killed Armenian servicemen.
“Thirty-six populated areas were targeted by the armed forces of Azerbaijan, including the communities of Goris, Sisian, Kapan, Jermuk, Vardenis, Tegh and Geghamasar, as a result of which 192 houses, 3 hotels, 2 schools, 1 medical institution, 1 events hall and 4 livestock barns were partially or completely destroyed. Seven electrical infrastructures, 5 water infrastructures, 3 gas pipelines, 1 bridge, 2 highways and 1 street were damaged. Two ambulances and 4 private vehicles were targeted.
“The armed forces of Azerbaijan penetrated the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia in several directions. Thanks to the staunch and heroic resistance of Armenia’s Armed Forces and the involvement of the international community, Azerbaijan’s attack was halted, but the military-political situation remains tense.
“Azerbaijan’s aggressive (expansionist) policy is aimed at thwarting efforts to establish peace in the region, open regional communications, comprehensively settle the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and impose forceful solutions on the Republic of Armenia.
“The Republic of Armenia, having adopted the agenda of establishing peace and opening regional communications (transport links), considers unacceptable the policy of threat and coercion pursued by Azerbaijan.
“The Security Council declares that the Republic of Armenia will defend its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity by all means at its disposal. Azerbaijani forces must withdraw from the occupied (captured) territories of the Republic of Armenia.
“We call on the international community to continue exerting pressure on Azerbaijan to end the occupation of the Republic of Armenia’s sovereign territories and withdraw its forces, and we welcome all countries and organisations that have taken a clear position.
“At the same time, we reaffirm the Republic of Armenia’s commitment to remaining faithful to the obligation of a responsible member of the international community.”
A day earlier, Azerbaijan’s State Commission on Prisoners of War, Missing Persons and Hostages informed that on Saturday, 17 September, the bodies of 32 Armenian soldiers killed during the military clashes on the border on 12-14 September were handed over to the Armenian side. Armenia’s Ministry of Defence later confirmed the news.
