MILITARY
Minister Zakir Hasanov: After suffering heavy losses, Armenian soldiers fled their positions
Baku, April 6 AZERTAC
Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov on has said after suffering heavy losses, Armenian soldiers dropped weapons, fled their positions as he met the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov (Russia), James Warlick (U.S.), Pierre Andrieu (France) and Special representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk.
The sides discussed the recent escalation on the contact line of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.
Hasanov informed the co-chairs of Armenians shelling Azerbaijan’s settlements and civilians.
“We deeply feel sorry for the causalities among innocent people. We, unlike the opposing side, are not at war with children and women,” the Azerbaijani minister said.
Hasanov said: “Under the order of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, as well as considering the peace-loving nature of the Azerbaijani people, the armed forces have suspended military operations, despite the ceasefire deal, Armenian armed forces continue to violate the ceasefire regime.
Hasanov said the recent actions of Azerbaijani armed forces were aimed at repulsing Armenia’s shelling of Azerbaijani settlements near the contact line and destroying the enemy firing points.
The co-chairs said they welcome the ceasefire agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting the negotiations over the Nagorno-Karabakh problem should become intensive and decisive step should be taken towards a peace settlement.