Pashinyan suggests deploying international observers on Armenian border with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN, May 27. /ARKA/. After traveling today to the village of Kut in Gegharkunik region where six Armenian servicemen were captured today by Azerbaijani troops, Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan suggested that international observers from Russia or other Minsk Group countries be deployed at Sotk-Khoznavar section on Armenia's border with Azerbaijan.

Speaking at a Security Council meeting later in the day Pashinyan said his proposal was prompted by the tension that has reached an explosive point in that section of the border.

He said his proposal is addressed to the international community and the government of Azerbaijan- Azerbaijan and Armenia must agree to pull back their troops from the border to their permanent deployment places, so that international observers from Russia or other OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing county (France or the United States) be deployed along the entire section of the border.

"The presence of observers in the region is necessary so that each side is convinced that the other is fulfilling the agreement and does not bring the troops closer to the border," he said.

Pashinyan added that after that under the international auspices the sides will have to clarify the border points.

'My vision is that observers representing Russia or the OSCE MG group should be involved, and this process should take place within the framework of their activities," he said.

Pashinyan said the tension at that section will be heating up not only because the Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers have been opposite each other for 15 days already.

'After today's capture of six Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijanis, e Armenian armed forces may also try to take Azerbaijani prisoners and Azerbaijanis will try to respond similarly'.

"My assessment is that if the situation is not resolved, this incitement can inevitably turn into a wide confrontation," he said. -0-