RISK OF WAR IS REALISTIC: SAMVEL BABAYAN

Tert.am
13:49 30.03.10

Talks about concessions on Nagorno-Karabakh make Azerbaijan more
contemptuous, former NKR Defense Minister Samvel Babayan said at a
press conference today, adding that when Azerbaijan is ready, then
let it come to negotiations.

In his words, under current circumstances an Armenian-Azerbaijani
war is possible to be unleashed.

"Yes, I consider the risk of war realistic. Azerbaijan is pursuing
a policy of demanding [concessions] but not giving anything in return.

That will lead to war," said Babayan, adding that in this possible
war Armenia has no other choice but to win.

"Azerbaijan can withdraw, but we don’t have that option," said Babayan.

Asked whether Armenia is ready for such a war, Babayan said that there
isn’t a single army that’s completely ready for war; the readiness
comes with time.

Referring to President Serzh Sargsyan’s recent statements on
territorial concessions, Babayan said that no concession is possible
at this stage and that all such statements and viewpoints should only
be considered in a political context.

Babayan also mentioned that the main factor holding Azerbaijan back
is that it’s not ready for war and is afraid of defeat, adding that no
third parties should be relied upon in the settlement of this conflict.

"No other side can participate [in the settlement]; they can only
express viewpoints," said Babayan.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress