Armenia’s Chief of Security Accuses Russia in the Aftermath of Tragedy in Nerkin Hand Village

Armenia’s Secretary of the Security Council, Armen Grigoryan, has leveled accusations against Russia, claiming that the neighboring nation failed to prevent an incident near the village of Nerkin Hand in Armenia. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of four Armenian soldiers during a military aggression by Azerbaijan.

Grigoryan expressed concern over the lack of access for the EU mission to the affected area, emphasizing that only the holds access and a presence there. He asserted, "You know that the last incident in the direction of Nerkin Hand village, the EU mission does not have access there, only the Russian Federation has access and is present there. Russia could not stop the incident."

In response to criticism from Moscow regarding the EU mission, Grigoryan defended the EU's role, stating, "I am convinced that the reality is different. It is obvious that the EU civilian [monitoring] mission [in Armenia] plays a stabilizing role. We [i.e. Armenia] fully support their activities and will continue to do so." However, Grigoryan did not address the question of why the EU monitoring mission lacks access to the area adjacent to Nerkin Hand village.

Furthermore, Grigoryan confirmed reports that Russian servicemen obstructed the entry of EU observers into Nerkin Hand. "Yes, that problem exists, we will try to address that problem, we are aware of it," he acknowledged.

The incident near Nerkin Hand raises questions about the broader dynamics at play and the role of various stakeholders in ensuring peace and security in the region.