The Armenian side will respond to Azerbaijan’s provocations, Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan told reporters during the funeral ceremony for junior sergeant Armen Hovhannisyan.

Armen Hovhannisyan and his companions-in-arms heroically retaliated at the right moment. Azerbaijan is not showing a constructive approach, resorting to regular provocations, the minister said.

“With heavy losses – several killed and about 25 injured – the enemy was hurled back. The attackers were three commando units,” Ohanyan said.

Speaking of Armen Hovhannisyan’s heroic act, the minister stressed the need for troops to feel the greatest responsibility for defending the borders, inculcating patriotism in the young generation and being ready for retaliating.

“I think all the soldiers must be inspired by Armen’s example,” Ohanyan said.

With respect to the tension on the Line of Contact, the minister said that the tension is highest now and Azerbaijani troops are intensively sniping at the Armenian side.

“They fear retaliation. And we will find the right moment for retaliation,” Ohanyan said.

Azerbaijan’s provocations are aimed at the international community and breaking down the negotiation process, he said.