Yerevan /Mediamax/. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting today with ambassadors of OSCE participating states.

Upon presenting the launch of military operations in NKR, Armenian President noted that Azerbaijan made an unprecedented provocation at around 3 a.m. on April 2 on the entire length of NKR-Azerbaijan contact line, conducting large-scale military actions with use of the whole range of weaponry, including armored vehicles, heavy artillery and air forces.

Serzh Sargsyan stressed that the rival targeted civilians as well from the beginning of the operations.

“Such large-scale actions haven’t occurred since the ceasefire of 1994. Azerbaijan renewed provocations the next morning and continues till this moment, targeting peaceful civilians with missile systems and cannons. Azerbaijani artillery shot at NKR towns after the so-called “unilateral ceasefire”.

Being a part of Ceasefire Agreement of 1994, Armenia will continue to fully perform its defense obligations to NKR people. Moreover, I instructed Foreign Ministry to work with NKR to develop a mutual military assistance agreement. If the military actions continue and gain large scale, Armenia will recognize the independence of NKR,” stated Armenian President.

According to the President, intensification of military operations can lead to unpredictable consequences up to full-scale war.

Photo: Press service of the Armenian President

“This will naturally affect safety and stability in both Southern Caucasus and Europe. Obviously, cessations of military actions and peaceful settlement of the conflict is in European countries’ interests too. OSCE plays a special part in this matter as an organization with axis role in ensuring peace in Europe.

Unfortunately, Armenia’s numerous statements that Azerbaijan will sooner or later become a hostage of its own anti-Armenian rhetoric and begin new military ventures, and calls to restrain the agressor didn’t give desireable results. International community was silent when Azerbaijan boasted about large weaponry purchases, when Azerbaijan announced on the highest level about resolving the conflict in military way, discredited OSCE Minsk Group’s work and refused to create mechanisms of trust. International community is silent today too, when Azerbaijan uses heavy artillery against civilians. But when outnumbered NKR Defense Army resists the Azerbaijani Army, they call to “show restraint,” said the President.

“One of recent displays of Azerbaijan’s impudence was the message spread by Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, which claimed that Azerbaijan unilaterally ceased return fire against “the enemy” and began the project of strengthening defense of “liberated territories”. I assure you that Azerbaijan didn’t liberate any territories, but only took small areas of 200-300 m in the South and North, giving a life for each meter. Isnt’ it clear that Azerbaijan misleads international community and tries to create conditions to disguise its military actions and their consequences?” said Armenian President.

Serzh Sargsyan stressed that as an OSCE particitating state, Armenian considers it necessary to call all OSCE participating states to be commited to principles in their positions.