CSTO to dispatch mission to Armenia

YEREVAN, September 14. /ARKA/. An emergency session of the Collective Security Council of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), convened September 13 at the request of Armenia, reached an agreement to send a CSTO mission to Armenia led by Secretary General of the organization Stanislav Zas, CSTO press secretary Vladimir Zaynetdinov announced after the end of the session.

The mission that includes also Colonel General Anatoly Sidorov, chief of CSTO General Staff and representatives from CSTO member states will assess the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, following the September 13 deadly clashes and prepare a detailed report on the situation in the region and work out proposals on de-escalation of the tension for the heads of states who will gather for the next session of the Collective Security Council scheduled in Yerevan this autumn.

A proposal was also agreed to set up a working group of the Secretariat staff and soldiers from the Joint Staff to permanently monitor the situation in the area of responsibility of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

On September 13 midnight, Azerbaijani armed forces began intensive shelling of Armenian positions using artillery and large-caliber guns and drones targeting Armenian Sotk, Vardenis, Goris, Kapan, Artanish and Ishkhanasar.

In some directions of the border, Azerbaijani troops attempted to advance into Armenian territory, but retreated after Armenian troops’ proportional response.

Armenia said at least 49 of its soldiers were killed and three civilians were wounded, and Azerbaijan said it had lost 50 soldiers. -0-