VAHRAM ATANESYAN: ARAZ AZIMOV’S IMAGINATION BOUNDLESS

Yerkir
13.12.2007 12:08

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Araz Azimov’s imagination went beyond all accessible
norms, said Vahram Atanesyan, chairman of the NKR NA committee on
external affairs.

"The Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister, as if aping the Minister of
Defense, said an ‘anti-terrorist’ operation should be targeted at
PKK bases.

It’s at least surprising that statements by a top official coincide
with recent publications of some Turkish media. This fact prompts
that these reports were fabricated by Azeri special forces aiming
to add tension to the complicated Armenian-Turkish relations and to
compel Ankara to take a tougher stand on the Karabakh settlement,"
he said. "Instead of spending time on irresponsible statements, Azimov
had better elucidate the public on numerous reports about unprecedented
activation of the Kurdish factor in Nakhijevan and Geranboy region."

"These reports seem to be true. Presently, Geranboy includes Shahumyan
region of NKR, which was occupied in 1992 and is still under control
of the Azeri forces. Once inhabited by Armenians, now this region
can serve as a base for Kurdish militants.

"Developing the version of existence of Kurdish bases in NKR, the Azeri
authorities attempt to mislead the international community, including
Turkey. It’s also noteworthy that Kurdish rebels were supplied with
armament via Azerbaijan. Furthermore, leader of the Kurdish movement
Mustafa Barzani used to live in Azeri Lenkoran in 1940-ies. So, we
can advise Mr Azimov to search for Kurdiosh militants in Azerbaijan
and carry out operation there," he said, PanARMENIAN.Net reported,
citing KarabakhOpen.

On December 10, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told
reporters in Baku that his country "is ready for an anti-terrorist
operation" in Nagorno Karabakh.