Armenian Armed Forces deploy additional sub-divisions depriving Azeri soldiers of opportunity to even theoretically undertake any operation

As of the morning of May 19, the situation created after the provocations made by Azerbaijan armed forces in some border sectors of Armenia's Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces on May 12-13 hasn’t essentially changed, Armenia's Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

“In all the directions where provocation was carried out - both the territories, Azerbaijani servicemen as well as the possible ways of securing them - continue to be under full control of the Armenian forces,” MOD said.

“Moreover, in the previous two days, additional sub-divisions of the Armenian Armed Forces were deployed in the territory depriving the Azerbaijanis of any opportunity to even theoretically undertake any operation, leaving them the return to starting positions as the only reasonable solution,” the statement says, adding though that the negotiations over peaceful settlement of the issue are still ongoing.

“Armenia’s Ministry of Defense is hopeful that they [negotiations] will give the desired result and the created situation will be settled peacefully.

At the same time, as it has already been announced in case of absence of the solution in reasonable timeframes the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia reserve the right to solve the issue in another way, including by force,” the statement runs.