U.S. Department of State not aware of details of Azerbaijani subversive act

YEREVAN, JANUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. The U.S. Department of State is not aware of the details of the Azerbaijani subversive act, but promises to examine the facts. As reports “Armenpress”, the U.S. Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf stated this at the course of daily press briefing held on January 22 in Washington, DC. Also, Marie Harf called on parties to try to refrain from violence and to work through issues through peaceful means. A journalist addressed a question to Harf and stated: “There was a violation of ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh two days ago. Azerbaijani groups crossed the border and an Armenian soldier was killed. Do you follow? Do you have any statements from this building about that?” Responding the query Marie Harf stated: “I’m not aware of the specific incident. I’m happy to check with our folks and get you a comment.” Among other things the journalist stated that every time Azerbaijan threatens to launch an attack – or launches an attack, apparently, like couple of days ago – the State Department merely makes very general statements limited to calling both parties to remain calm instead of criticizing the act of violation and the party which violated the ceasefire – this case in Azerbaijan.

Previously it was reported that simultaneous attempts of penetration by the Azerbaijani subversive groups were recorded between 23:50 and 00:15 on January 19-20 in the north-eastern (Jraberd) and south-eastern (Korgan) directions of the line of contact of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing armies.

The Press Service of the Defense Army of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic informed “Armenpress” that the front units of the Armed Forces of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic noticed the actions of the Azerbaijani subversive groups and started an organized defense in both directions. The rival was thrown back suffering palpable human and material losses.

Junior Sergeant Armen L. Hovhannisyan died from the wounds he received during the exchange of fire in the north-eastern direction.

An investigation has been launched to reveal the details of the incident.

On 20 January Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan signed a decree on awarding posthumously NKR Defense Army’s N division's junior sergeant Armen Hovhannisyan for bravery shown during the defense of the NKR state border with the "For Courage" medal.