During the meeting, the sides discussed the latest developments on the contact line of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.
Hasanov informed the co-chairs of Armenians shelling Azerbaijan’s settlements and civilians.
“We deeply feel sorry for the causalities among innocent people. We, unlike the opposing side, are not at war with children and women,” the Azerbaijani minister said.
Under the order of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, as well as considering the peace-loving nature of the Azerbaijani people, Azerbaijani armed forces have suspended military operations, Hasanov said, noting that despite the ceasefire deal, Armenian armed forces continue to violate the ceasefire regime.
“We will never reconcile ourselves with the occupation of our lands, and we have the right to liberate our occupied territories,” the minister underlined.
Hasanov went on to add that the recent actions of Azerbaijani armed forces were aimed at preventing Armenia’s shelling of Azerbaijani settlements near the contact line and destroying the enemy firing points.
The defense minister said that after suffering heavy losses in the clashes with Armenian soldiers as well as mercenaries recruited from various places had dropped their weapons and fled their positions.
Hasanov stressed that Azerbaijani armed forces are currently strengthening their hold on the areas liberated, saying the conflict cannot be settled soon except after the occupying forces withdraw from Azerbaijani lands.
The co-chairs said they welcome the ceasefire agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting that the negotiations over the Nagorno-Karabakh problem should become intensive and decisive step should be taken towards a peace settlement.
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