Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues a Statement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia has issued a statement regarding the actions of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan towards the Gegharkunik region of Armenia. On September 1, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan opened fire on Armenian positions located in the Sotk and Norabakh areas of the Gegharkunik region, resulting in 4 deaths and 1 injury on the Armenian side. Azerbaijani forces have also used mortars and drones.

During this time, the Republic of Armenia has repeatedly warned that Azerbaijan, in an effort to carry out pre-planned military operations, is deliberately and systematically spreading disinformation. The encroachments on the territorial integrity of Armenia, coupled with statements from Azerbaijan at various levels regarding aspirations towards Armenian sovereign territories, as well as belligerent rhetoric frequently voiced by various state media, represent a continuation of Baku's aggressive policy to resolve existing issues through the use of force and threats of force.

This provocation by Azerbaijan, amidst calls and increasing pressure to lift the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, is also aimed at diverting the attention of the international community and avoiding fulfilling its obligations. We strongly condemn Azerbaijan's aggressive actions, which are accompanied by the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor for over 8 months, effectively besieging the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and risking serious impediments to efforts aimed at establishing stability and lasting peace in the region.

The Republic of Armenia reiterates its principled position that all units of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan must withdraw from the sovereign territory of Armenia. We call upon the international community and stakeholders genuinely interested in real stability in the region to apply existing mechanisms and take effective and clear steps to restrain Azerbaijan's increasingly aggressive behavior, aiming to prevent further escalation of the situation and return Azerbaijan to a constructive dialogue.