The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and on the Line of Contact is under proper control, Armenia’s Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan told reporters as he answered Tert.am’s question about the situation on the border after Azerbaijan opened tank fire at the Armenian positions.
“Tension has actually reached its highest point. They are firing not only small arms, but also mortars. In the south-eastern section of Artsakh they also opened tank fire. Those were not pointed strikes. This is the enemy’s tactic of destabilization,” Mr Ohanyan said.
Azerbaijan’s step could not only cause foreign policy problems, but also result in domestic political one.
“The Middle East situation could be a reason for the two presidents’ meeting as in many respects it involves our region. I want our people to be sure we have developed containment mechanisms,” Mr Ohanyan said.
In response to Tert.am’s question as to the reasons for Armenia not applying to international organizations – the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and UN Security Council – as Azerbaijan has repeatedly applies heavy weapons, Mr Ohanyan said:
“We are dealing with a neighbor that does not understand human speech. A dialogue requires a ceasefire and mutual arrangements. An international investigation can identify the guilty party. It is time for serious work to ensure serious work to develop mechanisms for international investigations for specifically addressed assessments to be made.”
Speaking of his talk with Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Mr Ohanyan said he had informed Mr Kasprzyk of the situation.
The Armenian side showed restraint during the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.
“However, our referendum [on constitutional reforms] caused a 4-5-day-long tension. That prevented many of the commanders from leaving the positions to [vote in the referendum],” Mr Ohanyan said.