Substantial discussions are underway regarding the deployment of Russian border guards on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopirkin told reporters on Wednesday, Sputnik reports.
“You know, Russian border guards are already in Syunik. Russian border guards have been posted on the sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, which help to ensure that the situation is calm and stable,” Kopyrkin said.
According to him, it is very important to make local residents feel as comfortable as possible in new unusual conditions.
As for the deployment of border guards along the border, including in Gegharkunik, Kopirkin noted that the issue of how to expand such a presence is being discussed.
“Substantive discussions and consultations are underway on these issues, including in practical terms. I think that everything will be determined by the interests of Armenia’s security, ensuring stability on the border and implementing the agreements reached in the trilateral format,” Kopirkin said.
Earlier, the governor of Gegharkunik Gnel Sanosyan stated that trilateral negotiations are underway to deploy the Russian military along the entire borderline - from Gegharkunik to Syunik (including in the area of the village of Khoznavar, north of Goris).
Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Artak Davtyan noted that negotiations on the deployment of Russian servicemen in Gegharkunik province are indeed underway, but the final decision has not yet been made.