YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Head of the parliamentary faction of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Aghvan Vardanian commented on the statemen’s made by different political forces of Azerbaijan recently regarding the possible resumption of hostilities against Karabakh.
Vardanian considers these statemen’s unacceptable and feels the Minsk Group and concerned countries must respond to the militarist calls of the Azeri side–which may pose danger to the region.
No matter how many times former Azerbaijani President Ayaz Mutalibov claims that no real war took place and that Azerbaijan never lost a war–we know that there was a war and that Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh won it–said Vardanian–adding that "If Azerbaijan dares open hostilities–Nagorno Karabakh’s security will no doubt be ensured."
Vardanian also stressed the need for domestic stability in Armenia’saying "I think that all influential political forces in Armenia will realize that any domestic shock and split at the given stage will backfire the interests of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and shatter our positions at peace talks and in future processes."
On the other hand–Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev–in response to his Armenian counterpart Serge Sargsian–announced his army is in a position to "liberate the occupied territories." Abiyev’s announcement was reported by the Azerbaijani MPS news agency without any references as to when and where this statement was made .
The same source also reported the upcoming visit of Turkish Chief of General Staff General Huseyin Kivrikoglu to Baku. Abiyev stated it is likely new agreemen’s between the two militaries will be signed–however the content of the agreemen’s is not mentioned.