Lavrov: Both Azerbaijan and Armenia use Russian weapons
ArmInfo. Not only Azerbaijan, but also Armenia uses Russian weapons. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated this at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan following talks held in Yerevan on May 21.
"As for Azerbaijan using Russian weapons, let me remind you that Armenia has also used Russian weapons since gaining independence, including the seizure of 7 regions that were never officially claimed. By the way, none of Armenia's first leaders ever proposed recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent entity. Russian weapons were used to seize undisputed Azerbaijani regions and build fortifications and battle lines there, indicating a long-term plan was to hold these territories. Some analysts said there was no intention to return these territories to Azerbaijan," Lavrov stated in response to a question about Azerbaijan's use of Russian weapons to occupy the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. At the same time, the minister noted that Russian weapons are also used in Africa, and the Kalashnikov assault rifle is featured on the flag of Mozambique.
According to Lavrov, many countries have Russian weapons, but this does not mean that they are used according to principles that would suit everyone. Responding to the question that "Armenia transferred the money, but Russia did not deliver the weapons," Lavrov said that this matter had been resolved. According to him, the payments have been offset for other purposes, and there are no disagreements regarding new deliveries.
"Now, as has happened many times in history, we are forced to war against the whole Europe. Weapons, as you know, are many, and they are modern, requiring our response. Our Armenian friends understand that in these conditions we cannot fulfill all obligations on time. And yet, a whole series of systems are being transferred and will continue to do so," Lavrov noted. Speaking about purchases from other countries, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that this is the choice of Armenian friends. "If they want a French base for additional deliveries, go ahead. We will not impose anything. But if an ally relies on weapons from a country like France, which leads the hostile camp and is filled with hatred towards Russia," the Russian minister concluded.