YEREVAN. - Attempts to restrict the activities of the OSCE Office in Yerevan led to the fact that Azerbaijan has opposed himself to the organization and found itself in a very embarrassing situation, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said (PHOTOS).

According to the Foreign Minister, his recent visit to Vienna and meeting with OSCE Chairperson and Secretary General of the organization were linked to matter.

“The visit to Vienna took place on our initiative, meetings were held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding,” the Minister assured reporters during a media conference summing up 2016.

According to the Minister, at the meeting of the Permanent Council, the Austrian chairmanship said that one country (meaning Azerbaijan) expressed concern that the OSCE Office in Yerevan was allegedly engaged in activities that are not in compliance with its mandate.

“This concerned the demining program. This is not really a demining program, but an educational project, a training rather than mine clearance. OSCE was forced to send a mission to the region, after which the report was submitted indicating that the statements do not correspond to reality. Despite this, Azerbaijan continued to persist, and went further, saying that the office should not be engaged in activities ‘violating the interests of Azerbaijan.’ Everything was ok during 17 years, and suddenly there was a ‘threat to their interests.’ That is, Azerbaijan has undertaken a demarche against OSCE, accusing them of security threats,” the Minister explained.

Thus, it was suggested to refrain from implementing the program, which was not offered by Armenia.

“We did not mind. The OSCE praised constructive approach of Armenia,” Mr. Nalbandian added.

He recalled that the OSCE office in Armenia is the only full-fledged office in the region, as the mandate of OSCE office in Azerbaijan is limited.

“And it turned out that Armenia has always been cited as an example. An attempt to change the situation led to the shameful position of the Azerbaijani side. Many countries have expressed their support for the program of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. Azerbaijan has declared that it will be seen as a threat,” he added.