U.S. message to Baku: attacks on Armenian planes inadmissible

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. ambassador toYerevan John Heffern noted the inadmissibility of attacking Armenian civil aircrafts, when commenting on Azerbaijan's threats to shoot down NKR-bound planes.

“I am guided by OSCE Minsk Group statements. Countries must refrain from provocations. Any attacks on civil airplanes are unacceptable,” the envoy said at NATO seminar on cooperation strengthening and NATO’s new partnership policy, held in the framework of NATO Week in Armenia.

The United States has recently urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to find a diplomatic solution to issues relating to the operation of Nagorno Karabakh airport, in keeping with the relevant international agreements, customary international law, and the current practice between the parties with respect to civilian air travel.

Stepanakert airport was officially put into operation on October 1. The airport received a certificate on September 28, stating it meets the international standards, including the security ones, and is authorized to transport airplanes.