Azerbaijan’s increasing military spending gives away intentions – Armenian FM
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan is rejecting the proposals of the co-chairs for the NK conflict settlement, doing everything to keep the status-quo intact at the same time claiming that allegedly it is advocating for the change of status-quo, Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian said at the 24th meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna on December 7.
“Azerbaijan’s intentions can be easily tracked by its expenditures: Baku spends billions to buy influence in the world capitals, as once again became obvious through notorious “Laundromat” affair, it spends much more for purchases of advanced weaponry, but it has not invested anything so far to prepare its population for peace, as the Co-Chairs have been continuously urging”, Nalbandian said.
Nalbandian reaffirmed Armenia’s stance that the peaceful talks don’t have an alternative, and intensive negotiations are required based on the proposals of the co-chairs. Nalbandian mentioned the steps which Azerbaijan must take for advancing the peace process.
“If Baku abides to the calls of the Co-Chairs to strictly respect the ceasefire, implements previously reached agreements, reiterates its adherence to the principles of the conflict resolution proposed by the Co-Chairs and constructively engages in the negotiations that will pave the way to move the peace process forward and change the status-quo”, he said.
Speaking on his meeting with Azerbaijani FM Elmar Mammadyarov, Nalbandian said it generally proceeded in a positive atmosphere.
“Let’s see what developments will happen after it”, he said.