AZERBAIJAN MUST SIGN A NON-AGGRESSION PACT WITH ARMENIA: EAFJD

ArmInfo
2009-08-03 12:27:00

ArmInfo. In a call to the OSCE, the European Armenian Federation
for Justice and Democracy expressed its profound concern about the
danger to the Caucasus security, and in particular to Armenia and
its population, resulting from Azerbaijan’s increased arms build-up
and militarist policies, says the statement disseminated by the
EAFJD. The call refers to Azerbaijan’s excessive new investment in
military hardware and technology and the policy statements of the Azeri
President with respect to peace negotiations concerning the Karabagh
conflict, under the aegis of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Given the
present realities in Azerbaijan and the threatening posture of the
Aliev regime, the Federation concludes that Azerbaijan has violated
the fundamental principles of international negotiations by seriously
committing itself to the military option while giving lip service
to the OSCE process. The Federation strongly urges the Co-Chairs
to refocus their efforts, first and foremost, on the grave security
threats resulting from Azerbaijan’s current national priorities.

Azerbaijan cannot be allowed to negotiate from a position of open
belligerence while the Armenian side negotiates in good faith.

Indeed, Azerbaijan has multiplied by 1300% its budget for armaments,
from 175 Million US dollars in 2004 to 2.5 Billion dollars in
2009. President Aliev’s intensified warmongering declarations are thus
substantiated pointing to a real possibility of an Azeri resumption
of hostilities. T he Federation denounces recent statements made
by President Aliev in London, which highlight his refusal of any
concession on the Karabagh issue, and his persistence to speak about
mere "autonomy" for Karabagh under Azeri sovereignty, a position
which, in effect, puts an end to the OSCE negotiations process as
it has existed so far. The European Armenian Federation calls on
the Co-Chairs to take Azerbaijan’s military ambitions in the region
seriously and, therefore, demand solid non-aggression guaranties from
the Azeri state prior to any further discussions relating to the
Minsk Group agenda. In the present circumstances, a non-aggression
pact obligating Azerbaijan to peace is the only meaningful objective
for OSCE before any further moves could be considered.

"Armenia and the Nagorno Karabagh Republic have a right to secure
themselves against the continuing threats from Azerbaijan. Furthermore,
the future negotiating process must not exclude the Nagorno Karabagh
Republic, as a full-fledged party to the negotiations. The Azerbaijani
security threats are first directed at the people of Nagorno Karabagh,
which must have its independent say in the process," stated Hilda
Tchoboian, President of the European Armenian Federation.