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The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin expresses its concern over the blockade and capture of six Armenian servicemen by the Azerbaijani troops in the border area of Gegharkunik Province early on Thursday, which was followed by the publication of degrading images on the internet.

“Such behavior of the Azerbaijani authorities is strongly condemnable, which violates the provisions of international law, contradicts the universal perceptions of humanism,” the Armenian Church said in a statement.

“The recent events in Gegharkunik and Syunik sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border are an encroachment on the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia and the right of our people to a peaceful and secure life. Such provocative actions indicate the real militaristic aspirations of Azerbaijan, endangering the variety of efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

“The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin calls on the international community and human rights organizations to take steps to return the Armenian servicemen and other prisoners of war, and to prevent the further undesirable developments in the region,” reads the statement.