Armenian, Russian defense chiefs talk situation on border with Azerbaijan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Acting Armenian Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan on Wednesday, May 19 discussed the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, the press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province).

“Harutyunyan detailed the situation created as a result of provocations of the Azerbaijani armed forces and the actions of the Armenian side. Both parties agreed on the need for a peaceful settlement of the issue,” the statement said.

The Armenian defense chief stressed that encroachments on the sovereign territories of Armenia are absolutely unacceptable, and that the Azerbaijani military is obliged to return to their original positions.

The sides also discussed issues related to the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh and the situation in the region, as well as other issues of bilateral interest.