Security Council Secretary and Russian co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group discussed normalization of relations with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN, September 14. /ARKA/. Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan met on Wednesday with Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, special representative of Russian Foreign Minister on improving relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan Igor Khovayev.

The Security Council Secretary introduced Khovayev to the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border that has emerged as a result of the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan at midnight on September 13.

The interlocutors also discussed a wide range of issues related to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

On September 13 at 00.05, Azerbaijani Armed Forces started intensive shelling of Armenian positions using artillery, combat drones and large-caliber guns in the direction of Sotk, Vardenis, Goris, Kapan, Artanish and Ishkhanasar. They also made attempts to advance into Armenia's territory, but were made retreat by relatiatory fire.

Today morning, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces resumed their attacks, including the use of drone strikes and artillery, in the direction of Jermuk in Syunik and Verin Shorzha village in Gegharkunik regions.

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