Baku threatens Moscow with “countermeasures” over arms transfer to Armenia
Turan news agency
7 Jun 05
Baku, 7 June: Russia has responded to Azerbaijan’s note concerning the
redeployment of arms from Russia’s bases in Georgia to Armenia. Moscow
explained the move as an ordinary relocation of arms from one base to
another, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told
journalists today.
“From the legal point of view, it is perfectly normal to transfer arms
from one base to another. This holds true for both Russia and Armenia.
However, the South Caucasus needs demilitarization. For this reason,
there is no need for tanks and other heavy military hardware in the
region,” Mammadyarov said.
The minister also said that Baku may resort to “counter-measures”.
However, he stopped short of spelling out what that might entail.
A number of unnamed sources said in the local media that Azerbaijan
might reject further cooperation with Russia in the lease of the
Qabala radar station.