We must ensure border security with our balanced policy, Armenian defense minister Suren Papikyan told a press conference Wednesday.

"We cannot put the burden on the army or our partners. Rhetoric is rhetoric, but any aggression must have a basis. As the minister of defense [of Armenia], I don’t see grounds for escalation in the region," said Papikyan, answering the question about Azerbaijan's rhetoric and the security of Armenia’s Syunik Province.

The defense minister emphasized that Armenia has proposals and solutions for all issues. According to him, dialogue, discussion of Armenia’s proposals can provide answers, and Armenia’s approaches and proposals are clear to everyone.

"I don't want to talk about what happened in the past. I'm talking about how I imagine peace in the region. Let me repeat: all questions have solutions and answers. Some have been passed on to our partners, there is a dialogue, and we [i.e. Armenia] are ready to present our views on each issue," said Papikyan minister.

"I will not address the aggressive statements, as aggression requires grounds, which do not exist, as Armenia comes up with narratives of peace. I don't think there are grounds for escalation in the region. Of course, everything is decided not only by Armenia and one neighbor. The region is going through a difficult period, but the existing problems can be solved through negotiations," added the Armenian defense minister.