Shootings heard in border settlements not directed towards Armenia – Defense Minister

Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan clarified that the shootings recorded along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, which can be heard in Armenia’s border settlements, are not directed towards the Republic of Armenia.

The Defense Minister responded to Civil Contract faction MP Hasmik Hakobyan’s question about the shootings,  who conveyed concerns raised by the residents of Syunik region, noting that videos have recently circulated in which shots can be clearly heard.

Minister Papikyan confirmed that he was aware of the videos and publications.

“Due to this, the Defense Ministry has made a statement that shootings are sometimes recorded along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border that do not target the territory of the Republic of Armenia,” the minister emphasized.

He added that cases that do not pose a threat usually do not receive an official response.

"Of course, the Ministry of Defense keeps a close watch on all the developments. We envision the resolution of this issue exclusively through diplomatic means," Papikyan added.