PROBLEMS IN RELATIONS WITH AZERBAIJAN ENDANGER ARMENIA – MINISTER

Interfax
Jan 26 2009
Russia

Problems in the relations with Azerbaijan are listed amongst main
military threats to Armenia, Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian
told Interfax.

"The main threat to Armenia is problems in the relations with
Azerbaijan and other factors that may change the security
situation. The danger of aggression is the biggest threat," he said.

"We have had a strategic review of our doctrine, which names 18
threats of various sorts. Judging by these threats, regional security
is very low. Any actions may have an effect on the regional security
situation," the minister said.

Statements of Baku officials, which allow for the use of force in
the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, aim at internal political
dividends, the minister said.

"Azerbaijan has said that before. In my opinion, the Azeri
administration does that to gain short term internal political
dividends. Also, it wants agencies and organizations helping resolve
the Karabakh problem to put pressure on Karabakh and Armenia," he said.

"The armies of Armenia and the Karabakh Republic are quite capable
of combat and ready to deter the possible aggression of Azerbaijan,"
the minister said.