Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry recently expressed strong disapproval towards the European Union’s military aid package for Armenia, citing it as a dangerous step that goes against the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The EU has announced a €10 million ($10.8 million) package to support the Armenian military, which has been a source of significant concern for Azerbaijan. This decision has come as a surprise to many, as the EU has traditionally maintained a neutral stance in the long-standing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
In a statement released by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the government highlighted the fact that Armenia has been committing military aggression against Azerbaijan for over three decades, occupying nearly 20% of the country’s territory, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding districts. The ministry also noted that this aggression has resulted in the displacement of over one million Azerbaijanis from their homes, making them refugees in their own country.
Furthermore, the ministry expressed concern over the fact that the EU’s military aid package comes at a time when the region is going through a tense situation due to military clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the recent past. The Azerbaijani government has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and this move by the EU only adds to the already heightened tensions in the region.
The Azerbaijani government firmly believes that any form of military aid provided to Armenia will only escalate the conflict and further endanger the lives of civilians. Additionally, it also goes against the principles of international law and violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
The EU’s decision to provide military aid to Armenia also raises questions about the organization’s impartiality in the conflict. Azerbaijan has always maintained that the Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding districts are an integral part of its territory, and the UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions reaffirming this fact. The EU’s move to support Armenia’s military raises concerns about its commitment to upholding international law and its willingness to remain neutral in the conflict.
The Azerbaijani government has always been open to dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict, in line with the principles of international law. It has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories and the return of internally displaced persons to their homes. However, the continuous aggressive actions and military provocations by Armenia make it challenging to achieve a peaceful solution.
Azerbaijan, being a responsible member of the international community, has always upheld its commitments to peace and stability in the region. The government has also made significant efforts towards economic development and promoting regional cooperation. In this context, the EU’s decision to provide military aid to Armenia undermines the efforts of Azerbaijan and sends the wrong message to the international community.
It is essential for the EU to reconsider its decision and align its actions with the principles of international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Any form of military aid to Armenia will only contribute to the continuation of the conflict and endanger the lives of civilians living in the region.
The Azerbaijani government remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and urges the international community to support its efforts. The EU has always been an important partner for Azerbaijan, and we hope that it will take into consideration the concerns raised by our Foreign Ministry and work towards promoting peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry denouncing the EU’s military aid package for Armenia is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to upholding international law and finding a peaceful solution to the long-standing conflict. We hope that the EU will reconsider its decision and work towards promoting cooperation and friendship between the two neighboring countries. Azerbaijan remains open to dialogue and aims to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
