Azerbaijan slams EU military aid to Armenia, warns of rising regional tension

Following France's provision of Bastion multi-purpose armored vehicles and Caesar self-propelled artillery systems to Armenia, the European Union's decision to extend military assistance to Armenia is deemed extremely erroneous and dangerous, likely to escalate regional tensions. Such actions by the EU are perceived as biased and indicative of a policy that fosters division within the region.

Spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada expressed these concerns while commenting on the EU Council's decision to allocate 10 million euros in military aid to Armenia under the European Peace Fund, Caliber.Az reports.

"Military aid for Armenia and calls for its further increase will contribute to strengthening the military potential and destructive activities of this country, which has kept part of the territories of the Azerbaijani Republic under occupation for almost 30 years and currently does not want to give up its claims to our territorial integrity.

"We strongly oppose this decision of the Council of the European Union and expect transparent disclosure of the assistance provided. The EU must put an end to such steps, which contribute to militarization in the region, and realize that there is no alternative to peace and cooperation. Otherwise, the responsibility for any possible destabilizing provocation of Armenia will also fall on the European Union,” Hajizada added.