YEREVAN – The Armenian government has firmly rejected attempts to involve Armenia in escalating regional rhetoric, emphasizing its commitment to a peace agenda. Ani Badalyan, spokesperson for the Armenian Foreign Ministry, made this clear in response to recent statements from the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.
On July 25, Azerbaijan threatened large-scale military action against Armenia, citing alleged Armenian provocations along the border. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry accused the Armenian military of using heavy weaponry and a reconnaissance drone in the area, calling on Armenia and its supporters to avoid creating new conflicts in the South Caucasus. The Ministry also criticized Western powers for increasing military cooperation with Armenia, referencing recent joint military exercises with the United States, an arms deal with France, and the European Union’s allocation of €10 million ($10.9 million) in military aid to Yerevan.
“If such provocative actions do not stop, appropriate steps will be taken using all means in the arsenal of the armed forces of Azerbaijan for the purpose of self-defense,” the statement from Azerbaijan read.
Badalyan responded by calling Azerbaijan’s claims of Armenian provocations unacceptable and reiterated Armenia’s proposals for joint mechanisms to investigate border incidents and prevent the spread of false information. She noted that these proposals have gone unanswered by Azerbaijan.
“Attempts to involve the Republic of Armenia in escalating rhetoric are unacceptable. The Armenian government remains committed to the peace agenda and will not deviate from this strategy,” Badalyan stated.
She further emphasized Armenia’s sovereign right to maintain a combat-ready army within the framework of international law, solely for the protection of its internationally recognized territory. Armenia has also proposed a mutual arms control mechanism and corresponding agreement with Azerbaijan, which has yet to receive a response.
“Despite this, the proposal remains in force,” Badalyan concluded.
