Armenian deputy parliament speaker responds to Azerbaijani accusations

YEREVAN, March 1. /ARKA/. Deputy Speaker of Armenian parliament Ruben Rubinyan declined accusation of militarization sounded by Azerbaijani Presidential Aide Hikmet Hajiyev.

"We don't do that, we just defend ourselves. I think it is quite logical, taking into account that we have certain security concerns stemming from Azerbaijan. So we have to defend ourselves," Rubinyan said at a diplomatic forum that started today in Turkish Antalya.  

He noted that Armenia does not demonstrate aggressive behavior and has no aggressive intentions towards its neighbors.

"We respect the territorial integrity of all our neighbors, but we have the right to build our defense. I would like to mention that Azerbaijan itself has bought and is buying weapons from different countries, and we know that they do it not only for defense," Rubinyan said.

Rubinyan also said Armenia's Constitution is an internal issue not related to peace processes. His remarks came in response to Hajiyev's statement that Azerbaijan is e waiting for Armenia to change its Constitution.

Rubinyan noted that the best way to be sure that the countries do not expect anything from each other in terms of territorial issues is to draw up and sign a peace treaty.

On January 19, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia needs a new Constitution that will make the country more competitive and viable in the new geopolitical conditions.

On February 1, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that peace between the two countries can be achieved if Armenia puts an end to its territorial claims against Azerbaijan and amends the Constitution and other legal documents.

According to him, Armenia's Declaration of Independence contains direct calls for the unification of Karabakh with Armenia and violation of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, and references to this document are also reflected in the Constitution.-0-