In commenting on the latest border incidents, Major-General Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan warns of large-scale provocations.

“Since we are marking the centennial of the Armenian Genocide this year, they [Turkey] is making preparations in three directions: culture, propaganda and diplomacy – as Turkish Premier Ahmet Davutoglu said,” he said.

According to him, Turkey has left “the military component” to Azerbaijan.

This is the reason for growing tensions this year.

“No war will break out, but we should expect large-scale provocations in all the sectors. And civilians will be targets as well,” Mr Ter-Tadevosyan said.

He believes that Turkey will stop its provocations at the end of this April. Azerbaijan cannot succeed.

Asked about possible losses should large-scale hostilities break out, Mr Tadevosyan said:

“Given the arsenal at both the sides’ disposal, both of them are expected to duffer serious human losses. Geographically, however, 100 missiles launched in Artsakh’s direction will be less effective than ten missiles launched in the direction of Azerbaijan.”