“After the four-day war, Karabakh conflict definitely has entered a new phase. I consider, we should be able to rather quickly perform the following three steps—give proper explanation to reasons of war situation; assess our actions throughout these days; clarify follow-ups. Here the crucial point is, of course, whether it’s possible to prevent this war and avoid numerous casualties.”
“They waged a rather literate war both strategically and militarily. Operations have been definitely failed, however, this doesn’t mean they were illiterate…I’m sure they have been properly drilled. They aren’t weak, one shouldn’t underestimate Azerbaijan. Our issue is our mobilization and rearrangement in a short period, our mobile movement, to take our positions. The adversary imagined that after shelling we won’t be able to take our positions. Particularly, it was rather easy for them, as they posses UAVs, and it’s easy to observe from the air and wage the war, they did it literally.”
The bodies of 18 servicemen of the NKR Defense Army, fallen as a result of the large scale military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan in April 2-5, were transferred to the NKR side during the exchange. At the presence of the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the NKR State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons registered that all bodies of the deceased transferred by the Azerbaijani side had signs of torture and mutilation.
“The four-day war” showed that blitzkrieg is impossible, and only a wide-scale war is possible. And the latter isn’t in line with the interests of the trio—the USA, Russia and the EU. Are they ready for steps to urge Azerbaijan agree on terms of the new accord on cease-fire? This depends on many factors. The first practical steps by mediator countries will show how far they’re able to go, not to permit new escalation.”
“Principally, I wasn’t expecting a fierce outbreak on the Line of Contact of Nagorno-Karabakh. What we edified before—shooting and tension—were quite typical under such regional conflict. However, recent extension and tension of military operations surprised and bothered not only me, but the whole world, as well, on account of present-day geo-political hotbeds, in any case, it seemed that possibility is secondary from the standpoint of importance and threats.”
Thundering of artilleries were heard from time to time. Positions of the adversary were so close, that it’s already hard to understand, who whom was shooting. We were wandering about the village taking photos of the ruins. The policemen were entering the houses, searching for weapons and documentation there.
“We have principally touched upon implementation of necessary steps to maintain peace. Naturally, the main issue is that the sides appeared on the negotiation table. There is principal perception that it’s necessary to return to political discussions. We have discussed mechanisms linked to strengthening and return of trust between the sides. We will continue those consultations in the capitals, then we’ll meet again, a week later.”
“Our soldiers, our children fighting on the border should know—we are here, in the village, next to them, and they shouldn’t worry, we won’t go anywhere. They defend us on the borders, and we defend them here,” grandpa Yeghish said, continuing to calmly cultivate his land.
Protest action against Minsk Group co-chairs in front of the MFA building continues. The young people express their discontent with calls and posters: “Recognition,” “Free Artsakh,” “We are Karabakh,” “Stop Aliyev.” Number of the demonstrators is becoming more and more, student groups of various universities join the rally.
Charles Aznavour, legendary French-Armenian chansonnier, had a meeting with François Hollande, president of the French Republic. According to information posted on the official page of the chansonnier, the meeting took place on April 8. They discussed current situation in NKR. Photo of the meeting has been posted on the French president’s official page on Twitter.
