AZERBAIJAN SEEKING PRESSURE ON INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OVER NAGORNO-KARABAKH – VAGHARSHAK HARUTYUNYAN

17:30 * 23.03.15

The border tensions are the result of Azerbaijan forming an atmosphere
of fear, Lieutenant-General Vagharshak Harutyunyan told Tert.am.

By escalating tension Azerbaijan is also trying to exert pressure on
the international community, particularly on the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairs, to have the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settled as soon
as possible.

“The reason for the current tension is also tension between Russia
and the West. That is, Azerbaijan is seeking to make Russia waste
resources on this,” Mr Harutyunyan said.

As regards Armenian President Serzh Sargysan’s latest statement
on Russian arms sales to Azerbaijan and the possibility of
Armenian-Russian tensions, he said:

“I do not see any tension nor can be any. We would like to settle
some issues in a different way, but it does not mean tension.”

As regards closer relations between Armenia and the European Union
(EU), Mr Harutyunyan said that they are not at all new relations.

Armenia has always sought relations with the EU. However, some people
stated that Europe would not cooperate with Armenia unless Armenia
signed an Association Agreement.

“This European week has proved the opposite: they will continue their
relations. But we must not make any steps that would run counter
to Armenian-Russian relations. If we follow this policy, we are not
going to face any problems,” Mr Harutyunyan said.

Armenia’s foreign policy meets national interests and the only right
way now, he said.

From: Baghdasarian