Armenia, Azerbaijan Trade Accusations Over Arms Build-up

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan responded to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's statements over weapon acquisitions, Orda reports, citing News Armenia.

In a January 7 interview, Aliyev labeled Armenia a "fascist state" and regional threat, demanding that France and other countries revoke their arms contracts with Armenia.

The Azerbaijani President claimed Armenia's leadership had established a "fascist ideology" that must be eliminated:

Therefore, fascism must be destroyed. It will be destroyed either by the Armenian leadership or by us. We have no other choice, he said.

A day later, Mirzoyan acknowledged Armenia's weapons purchases but emphasized they are "incomparably modest" compared to Azerbaijan's offensive arms buildup. 

While reaffirming Armenia's respect for neighboring countries' territorial integrity, he expressed concern about the past use of weapons against Armenian territory.

Mirzoyan also stated that Armenia's proposal for an arms control mechanism to Azerbaijan remains unanswered.