Foreign Ministry on Azerbaijan's Latest Provocation in Nerkin Hand

On the morning of February 13, in the Nerkin Hand settlement of the enlarged community of Kapan, Syunik Province of the Republic of Armenia, Azerbaijan's armed forces carried out another provocation and use of force, resulting in four deaths and one injury on the Armenian side.

Despite the statement from the relevant authorities of the RA on February 12, which indicated that the footage and information published by Azerbaijani media on the same day about Armenian positions in Kapan allegedly wounding an Azerbaijani soldier were under investigation, the Azerbaijani side engaged in aggressive actions on the morning of February 13. This demonstrates that Azerbaijan is looking for pretexts to escalate tensions along the border.

These acts of aggression were preceded by militaristic statements from the Azerbaijani military-political leadership, as well as recent information and propaganda preparations. The Azerbaijani leadership continues to attempt to undermine the efforts of interested stakeholders in promoting stability and security in the South Caucasus, hindering negotiations aimed at normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

We strongly condemn these Azerbaijani actions that resort to military provocations, and we call for abstaining from destabilizing actions and returning to negotiations. Once again, we reaffirm the proposals previously voiced by the Armenian side to implement reliable measures aimed at enhancing border security.