May 27, 2014 - 14:58 AMT
Defense Minister on Baku arms race: weapons alone don’t make army

Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan commented on Russia’s sale of weaponry to Azerbaijan, Tert.am reported.

“We are well aware that Russia, as our strategic partner, pays special attention to our military and technical problems. On the other hand, it has a right to implement its own policy,” the minister said, noting that as Armenia’s minister of defense, he cannot welcome the fact, but he has no right to interfere.

Asked if by selling weapons to Azerbaijan Russia disturbs the military balance, Minister Ohanyan noted, “The issue is under control. Our military and technical cooperation is at a higher level and it does not disturb the balance on the Line of Contact or the border due to efficiency of our army.”

As he further noted, frequent border incidents don’t suggest Azerbaijan’s military advantage over Armenia.

“Baku is acquiring new weapons, weapons alone don’t make an army,” Minister Ohanyan said.