What Is Azerbaijan's Goal in Killing a Peaceful Resident of Artsakh?

The President of the Artsakh National Assembly, Arthur Tovmasyan, condemned the killing of Aram Tepshantsi by the Azerbaijani armed forces today while he was engaged in agricultural work in Martakert.

According to the press service of the Artsakh National Assembly, the statement by the Assembly President notes: "Today, on October 9, as a result of terrorist actions, 55-year-old Aram Tepshantsi, a resident of Martakert, was killed by a bullet from an Azerbaijani sniper while working in the fields near the city of Martakert. Azerbaijan's sole aim is to sow panic among the residents of border communities. This act of terrorism occurred against the backdrop of the OSCE Minsk Group planning to visit Yerevan, Baku, and Stepanakert. We strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s aggressive behavior, which seeks to undermine the mission of Russian peacekeepers as well."

Such provocative actions should concern not only the Russian Federation but also the co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group—the USA and France. We call on the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group to develop appropriate mechanisms to hold the perpetrators of aggression accountable and to prevent further violations of the ceasefire.

Photo source: Official page of the Artsakh Police.