AZERBAIJAN DE FACTO DECLARED MORATORIUM
Diana Markosyan
A1+
[05:49 pm] 20 July, 2007
On July 14 the Russian Federation withdrew from "European armaments"
treaty. Russia’s step aroused deep resonance in European and NATO-based
structures.
"NATO considers the treaty a cornerstone for stability in Europe
and feels sorry for Russia’s withdrawal," said NATO official James
Apaturay.
"Russia’s withdrawal does not promote peace and security throughout
Europe," pointed out Miguel Angel Moratinos, the Foreign Minister of
Spain and the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.
It is noteworthy that prior to Russia’s withdrawal, Azerbaijan had
de facto terminated the treaty commitments.
Michael Melkonyan, the head of the RA Defense Ministry International
Military Partnership Department, informed A1+ that Azerbaijan
has registered 261 tanks instead of 220 set by the treaty, 343
artilleries instead of the fixed 285 and 1100 infantry cars instead
of 220. Eventually the country has 600 tanks and 800 artilleries.
Obviously, Azerbaijan violates the treaty and international structures
are well aware of it. Their statements testify to their awareness.
"We have made numerous announcements in this respect and aroused
the question in various international structures. We cannot simply
deprive Azerbaijan of its technique," Serge Sargsyan told A1+.
To the question why Armenia doesn’t take measures to make Azerbaijan
commit the treaty provisions, Serge Sargsyan said,
"You know it is beyond my competence. Each country decides its policy."
"We aroused the question at the conference of "European armaments"
treaty member-countries in Venice. Azerbaijan announced that the
country terminates the treaty commitments because of the force major
situation. It means the country temporarily withdraws from the treaty,"
RA Defense Minister Michael Harutyunyan told A1+.
According to Michael Harutyunyan, Azerbaijan’s armaments will
henceforth be out of control and the country will increase its
military technique.
The RA Defense Minister states the USA and a number of European
countries are concerned over Azerbaijan’s statement and they do their
utmost to engage Azerbaijan in the treaty again.