Defense minister says Azerbaijan has not built positions on Armenian territory

Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan states that Azerbaijan has not constructed any military positions inside Armenia’s internationally recognized territory since 2021, while warning that escalating rhetoric could lead to renewed conflict.

Speaking to reporters in the parliament on Friday, Papikyan said concerns about Azerbaijan building positions within Armenia were unfounded. “No positions have been built on the territory of Armenia,” he said, adding that both sides are carrying out fortification work only within their own borders.

The minister’s remarks came after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused opposition groups of promoting policies that imply territorial claims against neighboring countries, which he said could trigger war.

Papikyan criticized opposition calls to continue the Karabakh movement, reiterating the government’s stance that such an approach risks destabilizing the region. “Obviously, their militant posture will lead to new war,” he said.

He added that Armenia’s Defense Ministry is closely monitoring all potential risks, emphasizing that the country is currently at peace.