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    Categories: 2022

US mission to OSCE ‘mourns’ death of Armenian soldier, but does not say Azerbaijan is to blame

 NEWS.am 
Armenia –


The United States mourns the death of the Armenian servicemember Hrach Manasaryan on March 7, the statement issued by the US Mission to the OSCE reads.

The statement said that tragic and avoidable death underscored the need for greater restraint, for forces to distance themselves from each other in the contested border areas, and for intensified diplomatic engagement to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues.

"We urge the parties to make progress on humanitarian issues such as the full release of all remaining detainees, sharing information to identify the fate of missing persons, humanitarian demining, and moving forward on investigations of alleged human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.

The United States has contributed $5 million in humanitarian assistance this year to support conflict-affected populations in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The United States further remains committed to promoting a secure, stable, democratic, prosperous, and peaceful future for the South Caucasus." the statement reads.

At around 12:40 pm on 7 March, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened targeted fire at Armenian combat positions on the western section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. As a result of the shelling two Armenian servicemen were wounded. Contract sergeant Hrach Manasaryan died on the way to hospital.

Emil Lazarian: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS