Deputy Minister of Defense on Completing the Frontline Setup

“We will do everything to complete the setup of the frontline by the end of the year. Everything is being done to ensure proper equipment and engineering works at the border,” said Deputy Minister of Defense Arman Sargsyan in a conversation with reporters in Parliament.

“We have installed modular cabins at the border, which provide our soldiers with the opportunity to take turns, sleep, and warm up. They are supplied with firewood; the state is doing everything to rectify the situation,” assured the Deputy Minister of Defense.

Sargsyan avoided answering questions regarding the situation at the border, explaining that these are sensitive issues and that only official statements should be relied upon. “Panic-stricken moods do not contribute to ensuring the security of our border. I continuously try to avoid answering questions about the border. All officials from the Ministry of Defense will attempt to provide as little information as possible on sensitive border issues; only clear and specific information should be provided,” said Arman Sargsyan.

In response to a journalist's question regarding whether Azeri troops have withdrawn from the vicinity of Ishkhanasar, the Deputy Minister replied, “Let me say something philosophical: if you know something regarding Ishkhanasar, will it help you or not? We assure the public that our borders are protected by the relevant units of the Armed Forces; during the clashes on November 16, our armed forces proved their combat readiness in practice,” said Arman Sargsyan.