A Week Ago, Azerbaijanis Tried to Install a Sign, but Armenian Border Guards Prevented It, Says Kapan Mayor

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, issued a statement today regarding the installation of Azerbaijani flags and new signs on inter-community roads in several villages of the Kapan community. Specifically, it was mentioned that residents of the villages of Jakatun, Shikahogh, Srashen, Tsav, and Nerkin Hand reported to the Human Rights Defender regarding the sign. They consider this a specific action by Azerbaijanis that violates their rights and constitutes a direct step towards intimidation, accompanied by daily gunfire.

In an interview with ArmDaily.am, Kapan community mayor Gevorg Parsyan informed that he has discussed this situation in detail with Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan.

“Nobody from the government has contacted me showing interest in this issue or expressing concern, we have not had discussions with any department or individual,” said Gevorg Parsyan.

He elaborated that the Kapan municipality is cooperating with the Ministry of Defense and the National Security Service.

“To avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations, I’ll clarify that all discussions regarding these matters have only been with the National Security Service. Any concerns or worries I have seen regarding these issues have been solely from the NSS and border troops,” the Kapan mayor stated.

He also shared details regarding the installation of the new Azerbaijani sign: “The sign was installed on January 22, but prior to that, the Azerbaijani perpetrators wanted to put up the sign; they tried to do it a week earlier, but our border guards did not allow it, and the same was obstructed by the Russians. However, a week later, as far as I know, the commander of their border troops, Guliyev, personally came and ordered the installation of that sign,” Parsyan disclosed.

In response to a clarifying question about why Azerbaijanis were able to install the sign this time, the Kapan mayor indicated that Armenian border guards and Russian peacekeepers attempted to obstruct it; however, the Azerbaijanis stated that it was their land and that they would do as they wish, adding that they were following orders and could not do otherwise.

For further details, visit the original source of the material.