YEREVAN. – Armenian Defense Ministry issued a statement in connection with the Friday incident on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“The data we obtain brings us to a conclusion that Armenian servicemen sustained gunshot wounds as a result of actions of Azerbaijani sniper who was firing from a distance of 700-800 meters.

By this tragic incident Azerbaijan is trying to destabilize previously rather stable situation on the border between Armenia and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Azerbaijan “reminds” the Nakhchivan voters whom they “owe their lives and well-being”. From now on, President of Azerbaijan personally and his military and political administration will bear responsibility for the life of each Armenian and Azerbaijani soldier.  

Under these developments, we attach particular importance to coordination and implementation of a mechanism to investigate incidents on the border, and urge the OSCE Minsk Group to use all possible leverage to overcome the obstacles placed by Azerbaijan towards creation of such mechanisms,” the statement reads.

Investigation department of the Ministry has launched criminal proceedings on charges of a murder motivated by national, racial and religious intolerance.

On Friday morning, servicemen of N military unit Norair Petrosyan and Arthur Asoyan, both being wounded, were found in a post. The soldiers were taken to Agarak hospital where Norair Petrosyan died. The incident was registered in the morning near Agarak on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Arthur Asoyan’s injuries are not life-threatening.