The Azerbaijani army did not have the opportunity to advance just a few hours after the moment it launched its preemptive attack. This was stated today during a briefing by Vahram Poghosyan, the spokesperson for the President of Artsakh.
“Already on the night of 27 September, the Armenian side was able to restore most of the lost positions, making progress. Those successes are maintained to this day. The Armenian side is currently fully containing Azerbaijan’s attack,” Poghosyan noted.
He drew a comparison between what happened 30 years ago in the same region and today, noting that many have heard Azerbaijan speak of lost territories.
“In reality, 30 years ago too, the people of Artsakh stood up for their independence and their right to self-determination, and in return received a forced war. As a result of these military operations, we have what we have today, and which Azerbaijan constantly speaks of. If during this period Azerbaijan continues its aggressive operations, we do not rule out that the Defense Army will not be satisfied with merely restoring its previous positions. The authorities of Artsakh have already declared that the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan will bear responsibility for the preemptive operations,” Poghosyan noted.
In response to a journalist’s question about how he interprets the situation when the Azerbaijani side is already firing on the capital, Stepanakert, the spokesperson said that they have never drawn a distinction between the capital and border settlements, since in all cases civilians are being targeted.
“We consider these to be manifestations of an international crime by Azerbaijan. I want to say clearly: we are capable of defending our homeland, Azerbaijan will receive a powerful blow, but we will not target their civilian settlements. This is a matter of principle for us.”
