Russian military withdrawal plan to Armenia angers Azerbaijan
20/05/2005
A proposal announced by Russia's top brass to move arms from controversial military bases in the former Soviet republic of Georgia to Moscow's regional ally Armenia angered officials in neighbouring Azerbaijan on Friday.
"We are seriously concerned and we would not want Russia to take such a step now"
Azerbaijan is technically still at war with Armenia over Nagorny Karabakh, which forces loyal to Yerevan have occupied since 1994.
"The situation in the region is very sensitive, the atmosphere of security and stability must be taken into consideration," Azimov said.
Russia has military bases in both Georgia and Armenia but Georgia has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from its territory, as Western influence there and in Azerbaijan increases at Moscow's expense.
Azerbaijan and especially Georgia have received considerable military aid from the United States and NATO in the past few years and both countries form a key link in a US-backed energy corridor spanning Turkey and Central Asia.
UKRAINE MAY SEND PEACEKEEPERS TO NAGORNY KARABAKH
May 25, 2005
Pyotr Poroshenko, the Secretary of Ukrainian Defense and Security Council has told AzerTAj Kiev-based reporter he didn’t rule out Ukraine’s sending its peacekeepers to Nagorny Karabakh. ‘This decision will be considered by the Council, and the corresponding statement has already been presented to the government,’ he said.
Mr. Poroshenko added his country would send its peacekeepers to the area of the frozen conflict ‘only if both sides are willing.’ ‘Most importantly, both sides give credence to Ukraine for it to become a guarantor of peace in the region,’ he said.
[edit on 2006/4/23 by Hellmutt]
