MFA: Armenia’s provocations once again show need to create checkpoint on Lachin road

The Azerbaijani army has taken measures to prevent the use of unpaved roads in the north of the Lachin road for illegal purposes, the transportation of ammunition for illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan, and possible provocations.

The process of transporting servicemen, ammunition, mines, and other military equipment from Armenia for illegal Armenian armed formations on the territory of Azerbaijan, where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily deployed, has been recently intensified, Caliber.Az reports citing the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry.

Over the past few days, the Azerbaijani army has noticed thanks to the technical surveillance equipment that the Armenians intensified illegal construction and repair on Khankandi-Khalfali-Turshsu and Khankandi-Kesalar-Mirzalar-Turshsu roads passing to the north of this route. These roads are also used to provide the combat positions of illegal Armenian armed groups with military equipment and servicemen.

Despite the numerous appeals of the Azerbaijani side and the discussions, no measures have been taken yet to prevent the transport of ammunition and other military equipment.

“The death and injury of Azerbaijani servicemen as a result of the provocations committed by Armenia on March 5 on the Khankandi-Khalfali-Turshsu road, as well as on March 20 in the direction of the Zangilan district, testified to the deliberate aggravation of the situation by Armenia,” Caliber.Az reports citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

“Armenia’s military provocations were accompanied by aggressive rhetoric of the Armenian leadership.
In particular, the regular statements of the Armenian president, prime minister, and foreign minister, aimed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, show that this country has not yet abandoned its territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

The actions of the Armenian side show Armenia's intention to deliberately undermine the peace process in terms of the recent resumption of international efforts for a peace treaty, as well as the lack of interest in ensuring peace and stability in the region.

We urge Armenia to refrain from provocative steps and statements that aggravate the situation in the region, from interfering in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan, as well as to fulfill its obligations and not to mislead the international community.

The latest provocations of the Armenian side once again show that to stop illegal activity in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan, it is necessary to create a border checkpoint at the endpoint of the Lachin road,” the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.