Armenian parliamentarian expressed concern over arms race in Azerbaijan which poses a threat of new war in the region.

Speaking at a NATO conference in Geneva, Hrayr Karapetyan, head of the Armenian standing committee on defense, national security and internal affairs, said Turkey is aiding Azerbaijan’s military build-up. Karapetyan stressed Azerbaijan is constantly increasing its military budget at the expense of petrodollars which he considers is unacceptable.

“Instead of holding talks to resolve the Karabakh conflict, the neighboring state is constantly voicing warlike statements,” he said. The Armenian delegate also noted the international community should give relevant assessment of Azerbaijan’s behavior. Interestingly, delegates from 25 countries participating in “The role of parliaments in arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)” workshop supported Karapetyan’s balanced speech.