Azeris violate ceasefire, wound 2 Armenian soldiers

PanARMENIAN.Net - Two Armenian soldiers were wounded as a result of ceasefire violation by Azeri servicemen at the contact line with Nagorno Karabakh armed forces.

Hovhannes Davtyan and Erik Karapetyan, both 19, sustained light wounds when on duty at NKR positions on Sunday, Dec 22. Doctors rate their health condition as satisfactory.

Investigation is underway, Armenia Today reports.

On Dec 15, Armenian soldier Hrant Poghosyan was shot by Azerbaijani snipers while serving at defensive positions near his home town of Berd, located in the Tavush region. The killing coincided with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs visit with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Later, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a press release referencing, in general terms, the border violence that led to Poghosyan's murder. According to the release, "the Co-Chairs noted that recent violence on the border undermines prospects for peace. They encouraged the sides to refrain from further actions that could increase tensions, and to work to maintain an atmosphere conducive to progress at the negotiating table."

Over 14000 ceasefire violations by Azeri armed forces were reported at the contact line in 2012.

Azerbaijan fired over 68700 shots from various caliber weapons towards Karabakh positions, with intensified instances of ceasefire violations reported during state holidays and special events.

914 ceasefire violations were registered in December 2012 when Azerbaijan fired over 170 shots from sniper weapons, with 6 shots fired from large-caliber sniper weapons.

About 1000 ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan were reported in November, with 210 shots fired from sniper weapons.

The number of ceasefire violations by Azeris in October totaled 1050, in September - 1185, in August – 1161 and over 1300 and 3750 in July and June respectively.