Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev slammed the Armenian side and tried to accuse it of “weakness” regarding prolongation of Russian base’s deployment in Armenia.

The Azeri official considers that all statements on Russia’s military assistance in case of war voiced by the Armenian authorities are of “political and psychological essence”.

Simultaneously, Abiyev started crowing over military assistance, which he considers, is provided under the agreement signed between Baku and Ankara during Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s recent visit to Azerbaijan.

 Yesterday Azerbaijani Vice-Speaker Bahar Muradova also criticized the agreement, accusing Russia of arming a “country-invader”.

Interestingly, Azerbaijani officials started criticizing Russia for its strategic partnership with Armenia on the threshold of Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Azerbaijan scheduled for September 2-3. Obviously their regular attempts pursue a goal to get Russian President’s statements comforting Azerbaijani society.

A protocol signed by Russia and Armenia in August prolongs deployment of Russian base in Armenia until 2044.The treaty is not only to protect Russia’s geopolitical interests but to ensure Armenia’s security.