Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) released a statement on the unprovoked killing of an Armenian soldier, Armen Hovannisyan, by Azeri forces along the line of contact with Nagorno Karabakh.

“Just four days before a meeting scheduled between Azerbaijan’s and Armenia’s Foreign Ministers to discuss a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Azerbaijan and the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, Azeri forces have tragically killed yet another Armenian soldier in an unprovoked attack on the Artsakh and Azerbaijan border. As I stated last December when an Armenian soldier was killed, Azerbaijan continues to show that it is not serious about establishing peaceful relations with Artsakh and repeatedly creates obstacles to the peace process,” Rep. Sherman said.

“Azerbaijan and its forces must be held accountable for these ruthless displays of violence. I have been a longtime advocate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Karabakh and the recognition of the independent Republic of Karabakh,” he said.