May 15, 2021 - 11:58 AMT
Armenia: Situation in Syunik not resolved yet

The situation with Azerbaijan's encroachment on Armenian soil has not been resolved as of May 15 morning, the Defense Ministry reports..

On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province).

"Despite the fact that the Azerbaijani military has had to leave some parts as a result of actions taken by the Armenian subdivisions, some of them are still in the territory of the Republic of Armenia," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"The Armenian Armed Forces highlight the need for a peaceful settlement of the situation, declaring, however, that encroachments on the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia are absolutely unacceptable, the Azerbaijani side must return to its original positions without preconditions."

The Army General Staff said earlier that the Armenian Armed Forces maintain full control over the territory, the Azeri military there, and the supply routes.

Negotiations to settle the matter peacefully started on May 12 and will continue on May 15 as well.