Shootout on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan

1 Armenia — Azerbaijan

The Armenian Defense Ministry reported about a shoot-out on the Yeraskh section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. It was reported that 1 Armenian serviceman died as a result of the shoot-out. The Ministry stated that the Azerbaijani forces «tried to carry out fortification works by using engineering equipment to advance their combat positions». «After the counter-actions of Armenia, aimed at stopping of the fortification works, the Azerbaijani servicemen opened fire on the Armenian positions» — the Ministry concluded. Also, 2 servicemen of Armenia have disappeared on the border with Azerbaijan. «Russia is negotiating with the Azerbaijani forces the question of the location of the servicemen on Azerbaijani territory» — the press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry reported.

2 Azerbaijan — Armenia

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that an Azerbaijani serviceman was wounded as a result of a shelling from Armenia at the Nakhichevan section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The ministry added that «the Armenian forces fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani army from various weapons». It was reported that the wounded soldier was hospitalized. The Ministry noted that the Armenian forces were suppressed by the return fire. The ministry added that the situation is stable, and the operational situation is being controlled by the Azerbaijani troops.

3 Azerbaijan

The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan is ready to sign a peace agreement with Armenia, and the Armenian unwillingness to take such step could be a big mistake. Ilham Aliyev underlined that the proposal of Azeribaijan is based on new realities. Azerbaijan considers the Nagorno-Karabakh issue to be resolved, and thus — there should be a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to Ilham Aliyev — «there should be a mutual recognition of the territorial integrity, recognition of the borders. A start should be given to work on the border delimitation as well» — end of quote.

4 Armenia — Russia

During a meeting with the Russian Ambassador, Sergei Kopyrkin, the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reminded about the importance of the cooperation between Yerevan and Moscow, aimed to overcome the unstable situation in the region. According to him — «the two countries have an extensive agenda of the cooperation, on the implementation of which the governments are actively working together». «He mentioned the importance of the Armenian-Russian cooperation in the overcoming of the unstable situation in the region, and underlined the key role of Russia in the ensuring of security» — the press service of the Armenian government stated.

5 Afghanistan

The President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, stated during a visit to the city of Mazari-Sharif, in the province of Balkh, that the security in the country will be strongly enhanced over the next 3 months. He stated that «the Taliban will be defeated, and all the territories they have seized will be liberated». He added that national unity is needed to defeat the Taliban. The governor of Balkh province stated that the security forces are also discussing their plans to protect the port of Hairaton, in the north of the province. The port and border crossing point are located on the border with Uzbekistan.

6 Germany — Afghanistan

Germany stated that Berlin will continue to support the Afghan authorities even after the pulling of the international forces from the country. It was noted that the support will be provided not only at the national level, but also at the NATO level. The NATO troops will continue to support the Afghan security forces. It was underlined that Berlin wants the Afghan government and the Taliban to reach a political understanding. It was noted that negotiations on this matter are on-going. Constantine Reztsov, specially for the ANNA NEWS