Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry condemns France's delivery of military equipment to Armenia

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada has condemned France’s delivery of military equipment to Armenia saying that it serves Armenia’s destructive actions in the region.

Hajizada made the remarks in response to question on the delivery of vast amount of “Bastion” multipurpose armored vehicles and related equipment to Armenia by France, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

“We strongly condemn the delivery of “Bastion” offensive armored vehicles by France to Armenia. 

Transfer of the mentioned military equipment will serve reinforcing the military capabilities, and thus the destructive actions of Armenia, as a country which kept certain parts of the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan under the occupation for almost 30 years, and still does not refrain from the aggressive policy and rhetorics,” Hajizada stressed.

The diplomat went on to say that these steps by France, which presents itself as an advocate of international law and a country supporting peace and stability in the region, puts under serious question the efforts for normalization of relations based on the respect for and recognition of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and international borders of countries in the region, thus serving to destabilization of the situation.

Against the backdrop of smearing campaign and destructive actions by France against Azerbaijan in the region, these steps, which adds to the militarization policy of Armenia, attests to the fact of France’s erroneous interests in the region.

Armenia and France should end armament and militarization policy in the region, and finally understand that there is no alternative to peace and stability in the region.

“We call upon the international community to refrain from delivering weapons and creating conditions for such a delivery to Armenia, which is known as a country with its aggressive policy and actions, and to end and condemn such illegitimate activities that prevents the establishment of peace and prosperity in the region,” the underlined.

On November 12, France sent military equipment to Armenia through Georgia.

In particular, French multi-purpose armoured vehicles Bastion produced by Acmat Company were shipped in the port of Poti. Components for Bastion were also shipped - the sender is the French company ARQUUS.

It should be noted that for a long time, Georgia refused to transit French arms to Armenia, but now, apparently, official Tbilisi has given the go-ahead.