YEREVAN. – The President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, on Monday attended the defense minister’s board meeting devoted to the 23rd anniversary of the Armenian army.

“The beginning of the year was tense, and we are witnessing numerous attacks by the adversary. [As a result,] we suffered lamentable casualties, for whom we mourn.

“[But] I believe no one doubts that the Azerbaijanis will pay dearly for the life of each [of our fallen] boys,” Sargsyan stated, in particular.

As per the Armenian President, the objective of these attacks by the adversary is apparent.

“The Azerbaijani authorities don’t hide [the fact] that they want to create a constant tension around us [, the Armenian side,] by the combination of political and military means. This is a simple blackmail policy whose main addressee is not so much us, but the international community.

“Official Baku is attempting to show everyone what it can do if all of its whims are not met.

“[But] we have imposed our dominance upon them at the battlefield. Today, we are much stronger; we are stronger than we have ever been,” the Armenian President specifically noted.