The New York Times: Russia Increases Military Flights Over Armenia
Washington, June 10 (AZERTAC). Russian fighter jets are conducting an increasing number of training flights over Armenia, a military spokesman said Saturday, sending a clear warning that Russia could intervene at any moment should violence escalate further in the territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to the American newspaper the New York Times.
The military spokesman, Col. Igor Gorbul said Russian fighter jets stationed at a base in Armenia have conducted about 300 training flights since the beginning of 2012, and have increased the number of flying hours by more than 20 percent from last year.
Russia, along with France, the United States and other countries, has repeatedly urged a peaceful settlement to the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Russia maintains a military base in Armenia and regularly sells weapons to Armenia.
Azerbaijan, which currently holds a seat on the United Nations Security Council, said that it was also appealing to the United Nations for help in hopes that international mediators could help reach a settlement this year.
At least eight soldiers were killed in clashes along the border last week.
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