Azeri claims of Karabakh Colonel’s killing false: Ministry

December 5, 2015 - 15:36 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijani media outlets spread Saturday, December 5, misinformation, claiming that Azeri troops have shelled the Armenian positions, causing major damages.

The records also claimed Karabakh Defense Army Colonel Jalal Harutyunyan was killed in the shelling.

In a conversation with Aysor.am, Karabakh Defense Army spokesman Senor Hasratyan refuted the news.

“I advise those wanting to have Jalal Harutyunyan killed to watch Artsakh Public TV tonight: the Colonel will speak on live TV,” Hasratyan said.

According to Karabakh Defense Ministry, 600 ceasefire violations by Azerbaijani armed forces were registered On November 29-December 5, with over 6000 shots fired from various caliber artillery weapons, 60-, 82-mm mortars, RPG-7, BG-15 Mukha and AGS-17 grenade launchers, as well as Turkish-made TR-107 rocket launchers.

Karabakh Defense Ministry said Azerbaijan has made several infiltration attempts throughout the week, which were successfully prevented by the Armenian troops.

“It is noteworthy that the Azerbaijani propaganda, in an attempt to conceal its own losses and boost the spirit of its demoralized troops, published “their triumphant actions,” also claiming that Karabakh Defense Army has suffered numerous losses, including Colonel Jalal Harutyunyan,” the Ministry statement reads.

Harutyunyan's comments on the misinformation will be presented later.

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The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.