YEREVAN. – Azerbaijan has prepared for the diversion actions against Armenians beforehand, while the president can give an order being outside the country, Armenian Deputy FM Shavarsh Kocharyan said in response to a question by Russian agency.

Regnum agency asked to comment on Baku's claims that Azerbaijani president was outside the country and could not organize diversion attempts.

“Who said that the order was given on the day of sabotage operations? Moreover, all points to the fact that the Azerbaijani side prepared in advance. In the end, the order can be given while being abroad. President's staff are well aware that the statement about absence of the president can not deny the obvious fact for the international community that Azerbaijani side was initiator of increased tension. However, the goal of this statement is to continue the policy of leading their society astray,” he said.

“Therefore, in connection with the failure of the planned sabotage operations, as well as a PR campaign aimed at improving image of Azerbaijani leader, his staff are making statements that the president has nothing to do with it and is abroad”.

Kocharyan emphasized that the statement shows disrespect of their own people, and the way out of this situation is to stop escalation and take efforts to hold talks.