"Armenia`s military spending is higher than that of Baku."

Commenting on the statement by Armenian FM that Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not a conflict between Yeravan and Baku, the spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmet Hajiyev said that the presence of the Armenian armed forces in the Nagorno Karabakh area is one of the proofs of occupation of these lands, AzVision.az reports.

"The recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the case of `Chiraqov and others against Armenia` proves that the puppet regime which resulted from the aggression against Azerbaijan reposes solely on the military, economic and financial might of Armenia that bears a direct responsibility for the act of aggression against Azerbaijan," the spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

As for the five statements adopted by the Minsk negotiation group, the spokesman said that the categorical nonacceptance by Russia, the United States and France of the current status quo based on occupation and aggression in relation to this region.

He reminded that Azerbaijan demands the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied lands in line with the UN resolution and international law. He said the border incidents result from occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia.

"If Armenia cares so much about the opinion of the world community, in particular, of the Minsk group, it should immediately start the deoccupation process. It has to be reminded that the immadiate withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the occupied lands is the requirement of the UN Security Council resolutions No 822, 853, 874 and 884 which Armenia ignores," Hikmet Hajiyev said.

He noted that Azerbaijan has the right to strengthen its combat readiness in the established situation.

As for Nalbandian`s comment that Azerbaijan`s military budget is growing at the record pace, Hikmet Hajiyev said that Armenia`s military spending is higher with respect to per capita GDP.
Responding to the criticism of Azerbaijani authorities in connection with the unsatisfactory state of affairs in human rights, Hajiyev reminded about the `shooting of peace demonstrants in 2008 in Armenia`, application of excessive power against protestors in Yerevan and violation of rights of millions of Azerbaijani refugees.

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