SERGE SARGSIAN: NEITHER TODAY, NOR IN THE NEAR FUTURE AZERBAIJAN WILL BE ABLE
TO UNFOLD BRIEF MILITARY ACTIONS AGAINST ARMENIA
AZG Armenian Daily #138, 25/07/2006
Opinion
Neither today, nor in the near future Azerbaijan is capable of carrying
out brief military actions against Armenia. Serge Sargsian, RA Defense
Minister, said in the interview to "Liberty" Radio Station. He added
that the statements of Azerbaijan that its military budget is equal
to the state budget of Armenia is a mere dream. He emphasized that
naturally, the financial sources play a great part today, but the
Armenian army is efficient enough to carry out its duty. As for the
probable resumption of the military actions, Sargsian said that he
is always prepared for the military actions that may begin even
tomorrow. "We are too a small country and any unexpected action
may cause a catastrophe for us," he said, adding that he is for the
peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue.
Besides, Mr. Sargsian added that the present settlement variant of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is much more favorable for Armenia than
the one submitted in 1997. He emphasized that at present a package
settlement variant is submitted and that defines the final solution
to the conflict. Moreover, the previous one didn’t include the issue
of NKR people’s right for self determination. As for the probable
referendum, he said that in case it isn’t held NKR will still have
a temporary status within 15 years, as well as safety guarantees.