Armenia, Azerbaijan "to pull back forces from border in Gegharkunik"

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian border guards will be deployed along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in the province of Gegharkunik "in the coming days", to pave the way for the withdrawal of the militaries of both countries from the immediate vicinity of the border, Gegharkunik governor Gnel Sanosyan said on Monday, June 21 evening.

"Work is underway on the deployment of our Russian partners, [the matter] will be settled. These are trilateral negotiations, a process is underway simultaneously," the Armenian service of RFE/RL reports.

According to the governor, the deployment of Russian border guards will be arranged in the coming days.

Azerbaijani forces violated Armenia’s border in several sections in the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik on May 12 and 13 and are still refusing to withdraw their troops from the area. One Armenian serviceman was killed in Azerbaijan’s shooting on May 25, six troops were captured on May 27, although four of them have already returned home.