YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)–The Armenian Foreign Ministry issued a statement Tuesday–calling recent Azeri attempts to degrade and defame Armenia and Armenian citizens "senseless," and saying it was simply false propaganda intended to stir up controversy and unrest.
"The Azeri leadership has recently launched a new campaign of slander and libel against Armenia and the Armenian people," the statement read.
"Sometimes–they circulate unfounded accusations–and sometimes they put forward senseless solicitations. In other cases–Azeris have been portrayed as victims of genocide–thereby scoffing at historical events.
"This propaganda–carried out at the state level–is aimed at realization of Azerbaijan’s own method for the settlement of the Karabakh issue–and to erase from the memory of mankind the genocide against Armenia’s perpetrated in the territories of Nagorno-Karabakh–including its former capital Shoushi–as well as Sumgait–Baku–Gyandzha and other places.
"Such a campaign also affects the mind frame of Azeris–generating unhealthy aspirations and groundless hopes–which–in turn–hampers the Azeri government’s display of flexible approaches during the negotiating process.
"The Republic of Armenia’strictly condemns the non-constructive steps taken by Azeri authorities which impede the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Such a position speaks of unrealistic intentions of the Azeri side and seriously questions the achievement of progress during the negotiating process."