Expert: Ilham Aliev's statements are calculated for Armenian votersMay 5, 2007 - 14:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azeri President Ilham Aliev's latest statements that Armenia has agreed to withdraw its forces from the liberated territories and NKR's status within Azerbaijan, are calculated first of all for Armenian voters, political scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan stated to the interview to the PanARMENIAN.Net "Aliev tries to support the liberal opposition in Armenia, since the current leadership of both Armenian states occupies a hard-edged stance in the issue of NKR and Armenia's security," the Armenian political scientist underlined. He also noted Ilham Aliev will make similar statements during presidential elections of NKR. Ilham Aliev stated that, "there exists a common agreement on returning the 7 occupied regions of Azerbaijan by step-by-step approach, after which displaced Azeri population will unconditionally return to their native places." At the same time he said that both Armenia and the international mediators accepted these offers. Aliev stated the status of Nagorno Karabakh "can be discussed only in the framework of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Alongside Azerbaijan does not oppose the idea of placing peacekeepers on this territory, which actually is Armenia's initiative." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |