Sergey Harutyunyan, a lecturer at the Agrarian University, shared his experience as a member of the Armenian and Azerbaijani joint commission on border demarcation in Tavush in 1986. The commission, led by Vladimir Movsisyan, encountered a notable incident when Azerbaijani soldiers attempted to provoke a confrontation by claiming ownership of a certain area.

Harutyunyan explained that the soldiers demanded control of a spring near the church in Voskepar. Movsisyan refused to sign the agreement, but the Azerbaijanis resorted to using a machine to force Movsisyan’s signature. Harutyunyan and others from the Armenian delegation followed closely.

Rassizaden, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation responsible for boundary demarcation, allegedly told his colleagues to let Movsisyan sign, even if it was just a small portion. Movsisyan firmly replied, stating that it was their assigned responsibility, and the Azerbaijanis should complete the task themselves. Eventually, Rassizaden agreed to let Movsisyan go.

Harutyunyan highlighted that during his time, there were three main delegations involved in revising the Armenian-Azerbaijani delimitation. The Armenian delegation, led by Vladimir Movsisyan, the Azerbaijani delegation, led by Rassizaden, and experts from Russia. Harutyunyan identified himself, Henrik Vardanyan, and Vanik Khachatryan as the experts in the Armenian delegation.

This incident sheds light on the challenges faced during the border demarcation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It reflects the determination of Armenian officials like Movsisyan to defend their country’s territorial integrity. The involvement of experts from Russia also highlights the international dimension of these negotiations.