  Israeli expert confirms: Azeri arms deal aimed against Armenia March 30, 2012 - 16:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Dr Brenda Shaffer, Israel's foremost expert on Azerbaijan, suggests it is highly unlikely that Israel's sale of drones and anti-aircraft missile defense systems to Azerbaijan in $1.6bln arms deal points to a bilateral defense pact against Iran. “If Azerbaijan is bolstering its defense systems, this is more likely to be a display of strength intended for Armenia,” the expert told The Guardian on Friday, March 30. "Azerbaijan is bordered by Russia, Iran and Turkey. Its economy is dependent on the safe export of oil, which requires regional stability," Shaffer said. “More than 30 per cent of the Iranian population are ethnic Azeris,” the expert said, adding that Azerbaijan tries to maintain friendly relations with Iran. "It would be very wary of allowing itself to take a step that might be seen as aggressive. If there is a conflict with Iran, Azerbaijan will be the first to suffer," Trend quoted Shaffer as saying.   Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says.   Partner news |  Latest news The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity  The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
