December 30, 2021 - 15:37 AMT
Pashinyan: "Serious efforts" made to keep situation manageable in 2021

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday, December 30 the "very serious efforts were required" in 2021 to keep the situation in and around Armenia manageable.

Pashinyan told a Cabinet meeting on Thursday that Armenia has been facing serious challenges in the "external environment".

"The incursion of the Azerbaijani armed forces into the Sotk-Khoznavar sector since May 2021, the ensuing consequences, and the incident on November 16 underscore our security concerns," Pashinyan said.

Azerbaijani forces violated Armenia’s border in several sections in the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik on May 12 and 13 and are still refusing to withdraw their troops from the area. On November 16, the Azerbaijani side launched a fresh offensive in the province of Syunik, during which Armenian soldiers were killed and taken captive.

Pashinyan said that the decision-making of regional issues concerning Armenia "often or almost always does not depend on us alone." The PM added that the consequences of the war will be felt for a long time, and that the nation needs to overcome the situation step by step.