POLITICS
Avigdor Lieberman: Azerbaijan`s position on Karabakh conflict is absolutely justified
BAKU, April 8, AZERTAC
Former Israeli Foreign Minister, leader of "Our Home - Israel" party Avigdor Lieberman has said Azerbaijan`s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is absolutely justified as he was interviewed by Trend news agency. He said Azerbaijan`s stance was based on the accepted norms and was absolutely justified.
According to Lieberman, it is enough to look at the map, and anyone who is familiar with the history of the region, will understand that the position of Azerbaijan coincides with relevant facts of history, geography and demography.
He said that unambiguous, clear position of the international community could be a very significant factor in this issue. “Recent escalation has shown that delaying the settlement of this conflict and attempts to avoid real facts and objective position will not solve the problem, but only make it worse,” he said.
"We certainly support the people of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan pursues rather balanced policy in this issue, unfortunately others don't do the same," said Lieberman.
Escalation of armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the separatist Nagorno Karabakh region began at night on Apr. 2 when Armenian forces fired mortars and large-caliber artillery shells across the front line. According to Azerbaijan’s Defense ministry, more than 120 shots were fired, some of which hit civilian residential areas.
The Azerbaijan's Defence ministry on Saturday claimed the army had "liberated strategic hills and settlements" in the region. Twelve Azerbaijani soldiers were killed in the fighting.
Several international organizations and foreign leaders raised concerns over violence spreading in South Caucasus and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone.
Azerbaijan unilaterally declared a cease-fire on Sunday, but crossfire resumed later. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Monday that the country's armed forces destroyed an Armenian command and staff point.
