ArmInfo.The last serious violation of the ceasefire in Artsakh was recorded yesterday. Armenia's Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian stated this during the meeting of the Committee on Foreign Relations. According to him, as a result of this violation, a soldier of the Artsakh Defense Army was wounded. The Artsakh Foreign Ministry and Defense Army condemned the incident, and the Armenian Foreign Ministry supports their position.
"As the head of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, I would like to note that we condemn the violation of the clauses of the agreement of November 9, 2020. These violations relate to 1 and 8 points of the agreement. According to these paragraphs, the parties must remain in their taken positions, cease fire and exchange prisoners of war.
In some cases, the violation of these paragraphs was systematic.When the Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the Hadrud region of Artsakh, in the direction of the villages of Khtsaberd and Hin Tegher, as a result of the attack 64 Armenian servicemen were captured. A false accusation was made against them in Azerbaijan, such behavior of Baku is a violation not only of the trilateral statement, but also of the Geneva Conventions," Aivazian noted.
The Minister said that such behavior cannot contribute to the establishment of peace in the region. Aivazian also noted that the priority for the Armenian side is the return of prisoners of war. The Foreign Minister also stressed that Armenia will continue to make efforts to return prisoners of war to their homeland. In this direction, the Foreign Ministry cooperates with international partners, coordinating its steps with other relevant bodies.
"Armenia, which signed the statement of January 11, 2021, noted that it is ready to take steps for the mutually beneficial use of the infrastructure potential of our region. However, we need trust to develop cooperation. The situation in the region is a consequence of the use of force. The use of force can lead to a new stage of confrontation, but cannot solve the problems. The problem can be solved only through diplomatic means, taking into account the rights and points of view of all parties. Only in this way can peace be established in the South Caucasus.
The basis of the Artsakh problem is the question of the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh. Armenia will continue to advocate for the self-determination of the people of Artsakh. Armenia is ready to continue negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the Artsakh problem in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group", Aivazian stressed.
The Minister noted that the de-occupation of the territories of Artsakh and the safe return of displaced persons to these territories are the priorities of the Armenian side are.