YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS: The defense ministries of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh are ready to implement the suggestion of the OSCE acting chairman – to withdraw the snipers from the frontline. Senor Hasratyan, spokesman for the NKR Defense Ministry, told Armenpress, referring to the statement of the Foreign Minister of Lithuania Audronius Azubalis on the necessity of withdrawal of the snipers from the frontline.

He reminded that still in 2009 the NKR and Armenia positively responded to the suggestion of the OSCE on recalling the snipers. “But as a result of unconstructive policy conducted by Azerbaijan this offer till now remains without response from that country,” Hasratyan said.

To note, during the recent period cases of periodical violation of cease-fire regime are being registered by the Azerbaijani side. For instance last week their number reached 150.

In his speech at the UN Security Council Azubalis, referring to the Karabakh conflict issue, expressed concern about the increasing tension over the NK. “The issue of the OSCE is to reach the settlement of this protracted conflict with the active participation of the Minks Group. I call on the conflicting parties to undertake steps toward the reinforcement of trust, including the immediate withdrawal of snipers and reinforcement of monitoring activity of the OSCE,” Azubalis said.

The latter also pointed out that the Lithuanian presidency will work toward decrease of tension in the South Caucasus.

By the way, earlier Armenpress has reported that Azerbaijan bought new weaponry for snipers.