I urge the relevant state institutions to exert all efforts and take the tightest measures against the encroachments and border violations posing a threat to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. This is stated in the statement issued by President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian.

The statement reads as follows: “After the durable encroachments and unlawful actions on the borders and against the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, today Azerbaijan made a new provocation to escalate the situation on the border.

Gunshots were fired from the Azerbaijani side in the direction of the Armenian Armed Forces in the border section of Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. The Armenian side suffered a casualty. I express my deep condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased serviceman.

I urge the relevant state institutions to exert all efforts and take the tightest measures against the encroachments and border violations posing a threat to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia.

Condemning the provocative actions of Azerbaijan and the actions for escalation of the situation, Armenia calls on the international community and all interested countries to be maximally intolerant and take coarse measures to give a relevant evaluation of and condemn the provocative actions of Azerbaijan.”