Armenian President Armen Sarkissian today telephoned Lieutenant General Artak Davtyan, Chief of the General Staff of Armenia’s Armed Forces, for a briefing on today’s capture of six Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani forces along the Gegharkunik border.

Sarkissian, according to a statement released by his office, called on Davtyan to take all necessary steps to protect Armenian soldiers along the border and to ensure the security of Armenian citizens.

“Noting that the provocative actions of Azerbaijan in the territory of the Republic of Armenia must receive a strong response from the international community, Sarkissian said that he would continue to raise the issue during contacts with international partners,” the statement reads.