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LE MONDE: ARMENIA PICKED CU AS GUARANTEE AGAINST AZERI AGGRESSION
October 16, 2013 - 18:58 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Experts are concerned that the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict might be rekindled in the worst way with the OSCE Minsk Group
mediatory efforts so far unsuccessful, journalist Piotr Smolar said
in an article published at Le Monde French daily.
"Regional observers post unprecedented escalation of tensions, giving
rise to armed conflict-related concerns. And not only shootouts are
meant here: Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of accommodating Syrian refugees
in Karabakh to perpetuate its presence in the republic. Arms race on
both sides also gives rise to increased concerns, with Baku having a
clear advantage due to significant oil-procured financial resources,"
the article says.
"In 2003, Azerbaijan allocated $163 million to military expenses. In
2013, the budget grew to $3,7 billion, with extensive range of
weaponry purchased. In 2012, Israel agreed to supply 60 drones to
Baku," the article said.
"Later, Azeri President Aliyev offered to buy $ 3 billion worth of
weaponry, including combatant ships and submarines, from South Korea.
Seoul however decided against the deal, unwilling to be involved
in escalation of tensions. At the same time, Armenia increased its
military budget by 25% to reach $250 million," the article said.
"The recent International Crisis Group report warned of a "potentially
explosive" situation in the region. Baku has increased threats of a
new war, with air strikes mentioned as a preliminary stage of any
attack. Azeri task will lie in reclaiming a so-called buffer zone
created around Karabakh during a blitz operation," the article said.
"Yerevan chose the Russia-led Customs Union over the EU associated
membership and free trade zone. Yet, the decision was not prompted
by Russia's pressure or economic gains, but rather the small
country's safety concerns. Russian military presence in Armenia,
weaponry supplies, the idea of close ties with Moscow - these are
the guarantees of protection from Azeri aggression," the article said.
October 16, 2013 - 18:58 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Experts are concerned that the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict might be rekindled in the worst way with the OSCE Minsk Group
mediatory efforts so far unsuccessful, journalist Piotr Smolar said
in an article published at Le Monde French daily.
"Regional observers post unprecedented escalation of tensions, giving
rise to armed conflict-related concerns. And not only shootouts are
meant here: Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of accommodating Syrian refugees
in Karabakh to perpetuate its presence in the republic. Arms race on
both sides also gives rise to increased concerns, with Baku having a
clear advantage due to significant oil-procured financial resources,"
the article says.
"In 2003, Azerbaijan allocated $163 million to military expenses. In
2013, the budget grew to $3,7 billion, with extensive range of
weaponry purchased. In 2012, Israel agreed to supply 60 drones to
Baku," the article said.
"Later, Azeri President Aliyev offered to buy $ 3 billion worth of
weaponry, including combatant ships and submarines, from South Korea.
Seoul however decided against the deal, unwilling to be involved
in escalation of tensions. At the same time, Armenia increased its
military budget by 25% to reach $250 million," the article said.
"The recent International Crisis Group report warned of a "potentially
explosive" situation in the region. Baku has increased threats of a
new war, with air strikes mentioned as a preliminary stage of any
attack. Azeri task will lie in reclaiming a so-called buffer zone
created around Karabakh during a blitz operation," the article said.
"Yerevan chose the Russia-led Customs Union over the EU associated
membership and free trade zone. Yet, the decision was not prompted
by Russia's pressure or economic gains, but rather the small
country's safety concerns. Russian military presence in Armenia,
weaponry supplies, the idea of close ties with Moscow - these are
the guarantees of protection from Azeri aggression," the article said.