Sarkisian claims Armenia `not afraid of war
Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian has declared that
his country "was not afraid of war" with Azerbaijan.
The statement came during his address to "The Balkans and Caucasus states" panel in Munich at the weekend. He alleged, however, that despite threats being made by Azerbaijani representatives, Armenia is not in favor of a resumption of hostilities.
Armenia has been occupying over 20% of Azerbaijan`s territory since the early 1990s and years of peace talks have brought few tangible results. Azerbaijani officials have repeatedly warned against Yerevan`s policy of aggression, saying the country`s land will be freed at any cost.
Sarkisian added that Georgia`s crackdown on its rebellious region of South Ossetia in August 2008 had underscored the real level of tension in the South Caucasus region.
"This was a warning to all interested parties that any careless word or poorly thought-out step could cause unexpected consequences in the region," he said.
Sarkisian said, further, that the arms race, the drive of countries for increased military budgets and belligerent rhetoric are leading to an escalation of tensions in the turbulent region which, in turn, "causes provocations."
Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian has alleged that the aspirations of Azerbaijani leaders to liberate the country`s land at any cost was impeding efforts to find a peaceful solution to the nearly two-decade-long dispute. "Azerbaijan`s raising its military budget and its statements that the conflict might be resolved with the use of force are complicating the peace process."
The statement came during his address to "The Balkans and Caucasus states" panel in Munich at the weekend. He alleged, however, that despite threats being made by Azerbaijani representatives, Armenia is not in favor of a resumption of hostilities.
Armenia has been occupying over 20% of Azerbaijan`s territory since the early 1990s and years of peace talks have brought few tangible results. Azerbaijani officials have repeatedly warned against Yerevan`s policy of aggression, saying the country`s land will be freed at any cost.
Sarkisian added that Georgia`s crackdown on its rebellious region of South Ossetia in August 2008 had underscored the real level of tension in the South Caucasus region.
"This was a warning to all interested parties that any careless word or poorly thought-out step could cause unexpected consequences in the region," he said.
Sarkisian said, further, that the arms race, the drive of countries for increased military budgets and belligerent rhetoric are leading to an escalation of tensions in the turbulent region which, in turn, "causes provocations."
Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian has alleged that the aspirations of Azerbaijani leaders to liberate the country`s land at any cost was impeding efforts to find a peaceful solution to the nearly two-decade-long dispute. "Azerbaijan`s raising its military budget and its statements that the conflict might be resolved with the use of force are complicating the peace process."
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