BAKU: NATO PA may discuss Russia’s weapon supply to Armenia

State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
February 12, 2009 Thursday

`NATO PA MAY DISCUSS RUSSIA`s WEAPON SUPPLY TO ARMENIA’

Baku February 12

NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) may discuss Russia`s USD 800 million
worth arms and ammunition supply to the Armenian armed forces, said
Ziyafat Asgarov, first vice Speaker of Azerbaijan`s Parliament and
head of the country` s delegation to NATO PA.

Asgarov said the parliament decided to send a group of MPs to the
Russian Duma to discuss the issue.

He pointed out Russia violated its commitment not to provide arms to
conflicting sides until the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute finds its
solution. Asgarov also recalled Russia`s supplying arms and ammunition
to Armenia in a $1 billion-deal in

1996, adding "This is why, Russia`s $800 million worth arms and
ammunition supply to Armenia seems convincing".

"The problem concerns official Baku. Playing the role of a mediator in
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and, at the same time, arming one of the
conflicting sides is beyond logic and contradicts international legal
principles", Asgarov underscored.