We strongly condemn the ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan which caused a severe injury to Rafael Azizyan, (born in 1997) a serviceman of the Artsakh Defense Army. This unprovoked incident caused by a sniper shot indicates that the Azerbaijani side makes a deliberate attempt to violate the ceasefire.

Such incidents gravely hinder the peace process and contradict the agreements reached with the mediation of the Minsk Group Co Chairs, aimed at creating an environment conducive to peace. Even amidst the new domestic developments, Azerbaijan should uphold its commitments.

This incident, which occurred ahead of the next ministerial meeting to be held under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, even more underlines  the priority of the implementation of the agreements aimed at strengthening of the ceasefire, including through the introduction of relevant mechanisms.

We wish a speedy recovery to the wounded serviceman.