Russian Peacekeepers Obligated to Assert Mandate Strength in Such Cases: Andranik Kocharyan

Russian peacekeepers have not fired a single shot at this time, despite the violation of airspace. This was stated by Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defense and Security, during a broadcast on Public TV.

He noted that in such cases, Russian peacekeeping forces are obligated to demonstrate the strength of the peacekeeping mission's mandate, as what is happening in Askeran falls within the jurisdiction of Russian peacekeepers.

According to the deputy from the ruling Civil Contract party, there was tension and an agreement was reached to initiate the process of withdrawing mirrored forces, with the zero point being the positions occupied by the Russian armed forces, which has been carried out.

“Now, when we are fulfilling our obligations according to the agreement, Azerbaijani forces are able to appear behind Russian peacekeeping positions and at the outskirts of one of the villages of the Republic of Artsakh. This is now creating a security issue for the population. This is essentially a continuation of the logic of creating tension, which should also be prevented through forceful intervention, and at this moment, Russian peacekeepers also have the authority for such forceful intervention... In such cases, peacekeeping forces are obliged to demonstrate the strength of the peacekeeping mission's mandate,” said the deputy.

When asked if this means that the Armenian side is not responsible for that section, Andranik Kocharyan answered negatively: “No, because we have the Defense Army, and at this moment, the Defense Army is essentially trying to prevent the advance of Azerbaijani armed forces through military intervention.”