BAKU: BSEC summit: Erdogan sharply reacts to Armenian deputy FM’s anti-Azerbaijani remarks

APA, Azerbaijan

The speech by Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Ashot Hovakimian at the 25th summit of heads of state and government of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Organization member states in Istanbul has caused Turkish President Erdogan’s dissatisfaction.

Hovakimian said in his speech that Azerbaijan should avoid political accusations. He noted that the BSEC is not a political organization, and such issues should not be discussed at this summit.

The Armenian deputy minister’s remarks have met a sharp reaction from Turkish President Erdogan.

“None of the representatives who spoke at the summit resorted to political accusation or assessment. But you have devoted your full speech to this, which in my opinion is wrong,” said Erdogan.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS