PreferredFirst Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia and Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Edward Asryan stated that he agrees with PM Nikol Pashinyan's point of view that the Azerbaijani-occupied territories of Armenia should not be returned by military means. Asryan stated this while peaking with reporters at the National Assembly Monday.
"There is a process of border delimitation [between Armenia and Azerbaijan], and within its framework, the restoration of the sovereign territory of Armenia—with respective borders—is planned," Asryan said.
To the question whether he is sure that the Azerbaijanis will withdraw from Armenia’s territories as result of border delimitation, the chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces gave a positive response.
“Yes. I'm sure. It is possible to implement it through peaceful processes of border delimitation," he said.
Asryan emphasized, however, that not only the chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces is responsible for the protection of Armenia's borders.
"Everyone is responsible. The chief of the General Staff fulfills the task set before him within the limits of his military capabilities. During combat operations, the General Staff directs combat operations. As for the question of what the adversary is doing in our territory, I do not answer that question," said Edward Asryan.
