Armenia deploys additional forces in direction of Vardenis

YEREVAN, October 17. /ARKA/. Armenia's Defense Ministry said today its decision to deploy additional artillery units in the direction of Vardenis was prompted by the movement and deployment of additional forces by the Azerbaijani armed forces in that area, which has caused certain tension.

It also said the steps taken by the Armenian side after the deployment of additional Azerbaijani artillery and anti-aircraft armaments in the area are exclusively defensive in nature.

"The actions of the Armenian side are not aimed at aggravating the situation and in case the Azerbaijani side withdraws its armaments from this direction, the Armenian side will also withdraw its additional weapons. The Armenian side is ready to negotiate this issue," the Armenian Defense Ministry said.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry did not rule out a new aggression against Armenia, blaming it on the military and political leadership of Armenia.

According to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, its statement was triggered by the deployment of additional personnel and artillery units on the sovereign territory of Armenia. -0-