14/11/2014 22:01
Ohanyan: International community’s reaction could have been tougher
“The enemy behaved brazenly, which is lamentable. No doubt, these actions will get an adequate and even a bit inadequate response,” Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan told reporters in Nagorno Karabakh today when speaking about the downing of Nagorno Karabakh Air Force MI-24 helicopter during a training flight.
“Our neighbors showed their true face, flagrantly violating the existing norms. It is a very sad event, but the whole firing stage of the drills showed that even that tragic incident did not affect actions of the units and sub-units of Defense Army, and we were able to perform the initial task,” Ohanyan said.
When asked if the situation of late July and early August might occur again, the Armenian defense minister replied that the developments of that period were a peak, after which the situation has relatively stabilized.
“However, there was tension from time to time, and this incident showed that we should always be prepared for such tension,” the minister said adding that the Armenian side should always be ready to force the adversary to maintain peace.
“The main purpose of these military exercises is to strengthen the readiness to maintain peace,” S. Ohanyan stated.
At the request of reporters, he also spoke about the international community’s reaction to the helicopter incident.
“I think the international community understands, and the reaction, at least what I heard, was adequate, although it could have been tougher. A tough assessment will be made when the incident’s circumstances are revealed. After all, the helicopters were in our territory, and the violator must get an assessment,” the Armenian defense minister said.
In his words, with the mediation of international organizations, measures are underway to reach the downed helicopter.
“These organizations are trying to get in touch with Azerbaijani military command and authorities,” Ohanyan said. He stressed again that adequate steps will be taken in response.