Azerbaijani Troops Slightly Shifted in the Area of Sotk Gold Mine

Azerbaijani troops have slightly shifted from the Sotk gold mine area and moved back, as reported by employees of the Sotk mine to hetq.am. They requested to remain anonymous.

Community leader Hakob Avetyan also mentioned that he has heard about this development, but he cannot officially comment on the news as he has yet to verify it with the relevant authorities.

In a conversation with the media, Geopromining representative Rouzanna Grigoryan confirmed that such a shift indeed occurred yesterday. However, she stated that it is not a significant event, as it was carried out according to a bilateral agreement. The troops of both sides were supposed to withdraw to create a buffer zone in between them. The Armenian side had implemented this immediately, while the Azerbaijani side was delayed and only withdrew 30-50 meters yesterday at all checkpoints. “This has no strategic significance; simply a buffer zone is created to prevent direct confrontations,” noted Grigoryan.

We inquired with Rouzanna Grigoryan about the current operations of the mine, and whether there are any specific agreements concerning the future. She replied that as long as Armenia does not have interstate relations with Azerbaijan, an interstate commission has not been established and official demarcation has not been carried out, it is premature to discuss these matters.

Regarding whether the Russian side is attempting to secure favorable arrangements with the Azerbaijani side concerning the mine, the company representative stated, “At our Armenian collective level, we have not discussed these issues, and I cannot comment on what the Russian side is trying to do there.” Rouzanna Grigoryan assured that the mine is currently operating solely within the territory of the Republic of Armenia on a partial and limited scale, and they are doing everything possible to maintain this situation.