Moscow reassures Baku arms transfer reports `fake`
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed
the reports on a weaponry transfer to Armenia, in another attempt
by Moscow to allay Azerbaijan`s concerns over the controversial
issue.
"Russia has not delivered arms to Armenia, contrary to the reports circulated by Azerbaijan`s media," he said.
Lavrov said in an interview with the Azerbaijani media that the reports represented nothing but a provocation and expressed disappointment that they were deemed as ones having credibility.
"We regret that this publication [local Mediaforum website], which is engaged in information provocations, has found its addressees in Azerbaijan so easily," Lavrov said.
The Mediaforum website operating in Azerbaijan with the US embassy`s financial assistance, on January 8 published a report listing arms and military machinery worth $800 million allegedly handed over to Armenia under a signature approval of a senior Russian military official.
The Azerbaijani government came out against Russia`s move, launching a scrutiny and summoning the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Ministry. In a statement, the ministry said Russia`s move was in outright violation of the UN resolutions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict, while Moscow termed the report as misinformation.
Lavrov said there was no need to conduct an additional scrutiny on the issue, as all statements issued by Russian diplomats were based on facts and absolutely undisputed conclusions made by his country`s military leaders.
The minister emphasized Russia comprehended that Azerbaijan was paying close attention to the issue due to its long-standing tensions with Armenia, voicing confidence that the provocative reports would not affect bilateral ties.
"We are confident that Russia and Azerbaijan have enough mutual trust so that such fake documents will not impede the development of our strategic partnership," he added.
Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in conflict for nearly two decades. Russia is one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, which is mediating the peace process.
"Russia has not delivered arms to Armenia, contrary to the reports circulated by Azerbaijan`s media," he said.
Lavrov said in an interview with the Azerbaijani media that the reports represented nothing but a provocation and expressed disappointment that they were deemed as ones having credibility.
"We regret that this publication [local Mediaforum website], which is engaged in information provocations, has found its addressees in Azerbaijan so easily," Lavrov said.
The Mediaforum website operating in Azerbaijan with the US embassy`s financial assistance, on January 8 published a report listing arms and military machinery worth $800 million allegedly handed over to Armenia under a signature approval of a senior Russian military official.
The Azerbaijani government came out against Russia`s move, launching a scrutiny and summoning the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Ministry. In a statement, the ministry said Russia`s move was in outright violation of the UN resolutions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict, while Moscow termed the report as misinformation.
Lavrov said there was no need to conduct an additional scrutiny on the issue, as all statements issued by Russian diplomats were based on facts and absolutely undisputed conclusions made by his country`s military leaders.
The minister emphasized Russia comprehended that Azerbaijan was paying close attention to the issue due to its long-standing tensions with Armenia, voicing confidence that the provocative reports would not affect bilateral ties.
"We are confident that Russia and Azerbaijan have enough mutual trust so that such fake documents will not impede the development of our strategic partnership," he added.
Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in conflict for nearly two decades. Russia is one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, which is mediating the peace process.
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