Since 2021, I have been saying with facts: the Minister of Defense was senselessly denying – Arman Tatoyan

Since 2021 (especially from October), I have been persistently stating with facts that illegal Azerbaijani armed formations are strengthening within the territory of Armenia, particularly in the Kut-Norabak-Vrashen Shorja area of Gegharkunik province, that they are paving roads leading to their positions with concrete, constructing large shelters, increasing their armaments, and so on, wrote the former defender of human rights in Armenia, Arman Tatoyan.

“I specifically articulated these points so that the Ministry of Defense and the entire state would have grounds to combat these criminal acts. I clearly demonstrated the dangers for the residents, who our servicemen are directly protecting, and consequently, their lives and other rights are also endangered and need protection. What was the Minister of Defense doing? He was senselessly denying these claims, justifying Azerbaijani actions, and hiding the incursions. They denied things so diligently that we were forced to publish evidence. Why was he doing this? For his position, for the government, to avoid discontent towards himself and the authorities, to prevent damage to his official role. After all this, he still had the audacity to accuse me, disconnecting his phone like a frightened person, and then making false statements. So, is there nothing to say now? Wasn’t I talking about this road? Look at the video published today by the Ministry of Defense – how quickly Azerbaijani troops are moving, what a nice road it is. If measures had been taken against this in a timely manner, instead of concealing it for the sake of the position and power, they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to behave so unrestrained within Armenia's territory.”

Tatoyan emphasized, “Regarding the lives and health of our fallen and wounded servicemen in the same areas today, alongside Azerbaijani military criminals, who will bear responsibility? Is there nothing to say?”

It should be noted that there has been a tense situation since this morning in the Gegharkunik province, where units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have opened fire from mortars and other small arms towards the Armenian positions located in the directions of Sotk and Norabak. Currently, the Ministry of Defense has reported about four fatalities and one injury. The situation remains tense.