STEPANAKERT—On a working visit to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian visited frontline military positions of the Artsakh Defense Army, accompanied by Artsakh Prime Minister Ara Harutyunian, Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Movses Hakobian, and other members of the Artsakh government.

The Armenian PM met with soldiers and commanders, learned about the conditions there, dined with the servicemen, and handed gifts to all soldiers on duty.

Speaking to reporters, Abrahamian said he highly appreciated the combat readiness of the servicemen and their psychological condition. “It’s very important to be next to the soldiers, to listen and see their problems on the ground,” he said.

“As a state we are obliged to create good conditions for the service of soldiers. The service in this dangerous military position, located some hundred meters away from the enemy’s snipers, requires great caution and alertness on the part of the soldiers. Be assured that the constant attention towards the defenders of our Motherland will be continuous,” the Prime Minister said.

Hovik Abrahamian underlined that ensuring security is a priority for the state and attached importance to the periodic visits of high-ranking officials to military positions.

“A soldiers should know he’s supported by the government and the people, who appreciate his service and devoted work,” Hovik Abrahamian said.

On the same day that Abrahamian visited Artsakh, an Armenian serviceman on a border outpost in Artsakh was shot dead by Azerbaijani snipers.

Armen Avetisyan, born 1995, was killed by enemy fire in one of the military outposts located in the eastern region of the border between the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan.

The Ministry of Defense of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic expressed their regret of this heavy loss and extended condolences to Armen Avetisyan’s family and friends. The ministry said it will investigate the incident.