The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Armenia and Azerbaijan may escalate after the two sides accept President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for talks in Moscow.
“Baku and Yerevan confirmed their participation in talks in Moscow. Active preparation is under way,” Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted by the RIA news agency.
On the other hand, Armenian and Azerbaijani defense officials said that the conflict lasted all night from Thursday to Friday and reported an increase in civilian deaths.
Armenia fires head of national security
The Interfax news agency quoted the presidential decree as saying that in the deadliest conflict with rival Azerbaijan, Armenia fired its head of the national security department Argishti Kyaramyan a day ago.
Since September 27, the latest battle between the two armies in the disputed area has killed more than 350 people. According to international law, Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan but is inhabited and managed by Armenians, who lost about 30,000 lives in the 1991-94 war
“I have signed a petition for the removal from office of the director of the NSS. A relevant decree will be signed [by the president of Armenia] in one or two days. This happened as a result of a series of discussions with the NSS director and upon mutual consent,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press conference.
Future work options have been discussed with Vanetsyan, the minister said, adding: “I think Mr. Vanetsyan will now concentrate on leading our national team into the European soccer championship’s final.”
On the other hand, Vanetsyan released a statement, through the NSS press service, explaining reasons for his resignation.
“I have decided to submit a letter of resignation. In the current situation and in the context of future developments, I consider such a decision to be the most preferable and most substantiated way of serving Armenia and my people.”
“I also made this decision confidently, just as I did at the fateful moment for our country, when I agreed to take up the position of NSS Director. Over the past year and a half, I have worked openly, and every one of my steps was based on the sole principle of Motherland and an officer’s honor being above all,” the statement reads.
