International community suddenly “discloses” Azerbaijan’s true face

July 24, 2012 - 22:07 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - On Monday, July 23, a small miracle happened. All of a sudden the world “disclosed” the enormous quantity of arms Azerbaijan purchases and produces. Earlier, UN Secretary General’s report comprising Armenia’s position on Azeri violation of Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) was spread. According to it, since January 1, 2012, Baku has breached CFE provisions by three categories. Thus, Azeri battle tank reserves total 381 (permissible limit - 220), with artillery reserves making up 516 (permissible limit - 285).

The UN report noted that Baku’s boosting military budget and aggressive anti-Armenian rhetoric intensifies tensions in the South Caucasus region, hindering Nagorno Karabakh negotiation process.

What suddenly happened to the international community?

It’s not the first time Azerbaijan has pursed policy of dynamic armament, purchasing the arms mainly from abroad, with considerable number of weapons being produced in the country itself.

It is noteworthy that the international community acknowledged the truth gradually. In late June U.S. Department of State dismissed Azerbaijan from the list of countries authorized to purchase U.S. military equipment.

This was followed by the OSCE Minsk Group’s statement on Artsakh airport, particularly on having received guarantees of non-use of force against civil aircraft.

OSCE MG further released a statement on NKR presidential elections, in which they acknowledged the “need for the de facto authorities in NK to try to organize democratically the public life of their population with such a procedure.”

These two statements sparked indignation of Baku, which accused the mediators of “hypocrisy and implementation of dirty policy.”

What is happening now?

Has Azerbaijan lost its role of an oil magnet for the international community? Perhaps, the superpowers have discovered more profitable sources of income as a result of the continued “Arab spring?” Or maybe they are tired of standing the boorish attitude of Azerbaijan, which keeps showing disrespect for calls to settle Karabakh issue peacefully, stop the war rhetoric and provocations against Armenia?

Or maybe the international community has finally resolved to heed the voice of conscience and offer fair solution to the problem?