The Armenian Defense Ministry on Monday issued a statement on the deployment of artillery units near Vardenis, a municipal community in Gegharkunik Province of Armenia.
“The presence of artillery near Vardenis is directly linked to the movement and deployment of additional forces and equipment by the Azerbaijani armed forces, which caused certain tension,” the Defense Ministry said.
“The steps of the Armenian side, which were taken after Azerbaijan’s deployment of additional artillery and anti-aircraft equipment in the area, are exclusively of defensive nature. They are not aimed at escalating the situation, and the Armenian side will withdraw its additional measures in case of a similar move by Azerbaijan. The Armenian side is ready to negotiate the matter,” reads the statement.