Brussels,
1 st
August 2009 - In a call to the OSCE, the European Armenian Federation
for Justice and Democracy expressed its profound concern about the
danger to the Caucasus security, and in particular to Armenia and its
population, resulting from Azerbaijans increased arms build-up
and militarist policies.
The
call refers to Azerbaijans excessive new investment in
military hardware and technology and the policy statements of the
Azeri President with respect to peace negotiations concerning the
Karabagh conflict, under the aegis of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.
Given the present realities in Azerbaijan and the threatening posture
of the Aliev regime, the Federation concludes that Azerbaijan has
violated the fundamental principles of international negotiations by
seriously committing itself to the military option while giving lip
service to the OSCE process. The Federation strongly urges the
Co-Chairs to refocus their efforts, first and foremost, on the grave
security threats resulting from Azerbaijans current national
priorities. Azerbaijan cannot be allowed to negotiate from a position
of open belligerence while the Armenian side negotiates in good
faith.
Indeed,
Azerbaijan has multiplied by 1300% its budget for armaments, from 175
Million US dollars in 2004 to 2.5 Billion dollars in 2009. President
Alievs intensified warmongering declarations are thus
substantiated pointing to a real possibility of an Azeri resumption
of hostilities.
The
Federation denounces recent statements made by President Aliev in
London, which highlight his refusal of any concession on the Karabagh
issue, and his persistence to speak about mere autonomy
for Karabagh under Azeri sovereignty, a position which, in effect,
puts an end to the OSCE negotiations process as it has existed so
far.
The
European Armenian Federation calls on the Co-Chairs to take
Azerbaijans military ambitions in the region seriously and,
therefore, demand solid non-aggression guaranties from the Azeri
state prior to any further discussions relating to the Minsk Group
agenda. In the present circumstances, a non-aggression pact
obligating Azerbaijan to peace is the only meaningful objective for
OSCE before any further moves could be considered.
Armenia
and the Nagorno Karabagh Republic have a right to secure themselves
against the continuing threats from Azerbaijan. Furthermore, the
future negotiating process must not exclude the Nagorno Karabagh
Republic, as a full-fledged party to the negotiations. The
Azerbaijani security threats are first directed at the people of
Nagorno Karabagh, which must have its independent say in the
process, stated Hilda Tchoboian, President of the European
Armenian Federation. |
Latest News
