Azeri ruling party official criticizes NATO for cancelling Baku war games

Sarq, Baku
15 Sep 04

Text of Yadigar’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper Sarq on 15 September
headlined “NATO has shown disrespect for the Azerbaijani public” and
subheaded “Ali Ahmadov: The cancellation of exercises is a glaring
example of the fact that NATO practices double standards”

The executive secretary of the NAP [ruling New Azerbaijan Party], MP
Ali Ahmadov, has described as disrespect for the Azerbaijani public
the cancellation of the NATO exercises, which were scheduled to take
place in Azerbaijan, because of Armenian servicemen.

“One would think that as a body interested in cooperation with
Azerbaijan and simultaneously in maintaining peace and security in
the world, NATO would decide to hold this event without Armenian
officers showing respect for the opinion of the Azerbaijani
people. Unfortunately, a different thing happened.”

Ahmadov thinks that this is a glaring example showing that NATO sticks
to double standards. As for this decision’s great damages to the sides,
Ahmadov said that “NATO is expanding its borders and undoubtedly this
body is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan”.

“Azerbaijan is also interested in cooperation with NATO. I think
there was no need to take hasty steps to prevent cooperation built
up on the basis of mutual interests. Truly, NATO has repeatedly
stated that Azerbaijan expects certain assistance from NATO in the
Nagornyy Karabakh settlement. This might be linked to NATO’s internal
regulations and tasks. But I would like to clarify one issue. If an
act of aggression takes place and any organization, including NATO,
does not mention this and name the aggressor country, then this means
to some extent support for aggression and the aggressor. Unfortunately,
NATO has demonstrated that it does not want to play an active role in
the Nagornyy Karabakh settlement and does not admit who the aggressor
is. This means support for the aggressor,” he said.

The MP thinks that the future will show whether the taken step was
correct.

“However, I do not believe that this step will seriously influence
ties between NATO and Azerbaijan. I assume that the arising situation
will be investigated by the sides and the necessary steps will be
taken to develop cooperation.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress