“Tragic and avoidable death” of Armenian service member underscores need for greater restraint – US mission to OSCE

The United States mourns the death of the Armenian servicemember Hrach Manasaryan on March 7, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States to the OSCE Courtney Austrian said in a statement.

“The United States mourns the death of the Armenian servicemember Hrach Manasaryan on March 7. This tragic and avoidable death underscores the need for greater restraint, for forces to distance themselves from each other in the contested border areas, and for intensified diplomatic engagement to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues.

We urge the parties to make progress on humanitarian issues such as the full release of all remaining detainees, sharing information to identify the fate of missing persons, humanitarian demining, and moving forward on investigations of alleged human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.

The United States has contributed $5 million in humanitarian assistance this year to support conflict-affected populations in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The United States further remains committed to promoting a secure, stable, democratic, prosperous, and peaceful future for the South Caucasus,” Courtney Austrian said in a statement delivered to the OSCE Permanent Council.

One Armenian serviceman was killed and another was wounded when the Azerbaijani military opened fire at Armenian military positions on March 7.