On July 14, the session of the CSTO Permanent Council took place, where the Permanent and Plenipotentiary Representative of Armenia to the CSTO Victor Biyagov delivered remarks.

The Permanent Representative touched upon the escalation of the situation in the northeastern direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border due to the Azerbaijani aggression starting July 12, the targeting of the civilian infrastructure and population by Azerbaijan. The Permanent Representative of Armenia mentioned that the Azerbaijani armed forces were shelling the civilian infrastructure of the Armenian settlements of Chinari and Aygepar villages, which resulted in damages of the civilian facilities. "According to the information, during the last hours, the civilian infrastructures of the city of Berd were shelled by unmanned combat aerial vehicles."

"Recently, in contradiction to the calls of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to refrain from provocative actions and warmongering rhetoric, to strengthen the ceasefire regime, as well as to the call of the UN Secretary General for a global ceasefire, which was supported by CSTO member states, the Azerbaijani side continuously resorts to the threats of use of force and military escalation, and currently tries to implement them. The military-political leadership of Azerbaijan bears full responsibility for the escalation of the situation in the CSTO area."

Regarding the issues of preserving regional security and stability, the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the CSTO Biyagov drew the attention of the representatives of CSTO member-states to the statement of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, highlighting that Armenia strongly condemns Turkey's attempts to provoke instability in the region.

"The current situation is a matter of serious concern and attention for the organization and each member-state, as an attempt is made to instigate direct aggression in the zone of responsibility of the organization against one of its member-states."

We call on our allies to demonstrate solidarity and support in line with the letter and spirit of the CSTO Charter. This unprecedented situation becomes an essential challenge for each of us and for the Organization.”

The Permanent Mission of Armenia to the CSTO will continue its work on the current situation within the CSTO framework.