Attempt to Disrupt Regional Security is a Response to the OSCE Minsk Group's Calls, Says Armenian Foreign Ministry on Actions by Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Gegharkunik Region

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement regarding the actions taken by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on October 1st, involving the use of artillery and missiles towards the Gegharkunik region.

“On October 1, Azerbaijani artillery targeted the village of Shatvan in the Gegharkunik region of the Republic of Armenia, and also launched a missile from a combat drone towards the settlement of Mets Masrik, resulting in the death of Gevorg Vardanyan, born in 1967, and injuring two civilians to varying degrees. Later, enemy drones invaded the airspace of the Republic of Armenia and conducted reconnaissance flights near the capital city of Yerevan. All drones were destroyed by air defense forces.”

It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan intensified military operations just hours after the statement from the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The Republic of Armenia strongly condemns these actions by Azerbaijan, considering them a step towards further escalation of the conflict. With incitement and direct support from Turkey, we view this attempt to disrupt regional security as a response to the calls and efforts of the international community, particularly the OSCE Minsk Group, to establish peace.

The entire responsibility for further escalation of the conflict lies with the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan and Turkey.