Hakobian: "Russia must take into account our interests"

(Baku Daily) - Azerbaijan used Russian-made anti-aircraft weapons to down an Armenian military helicopter last Wednesday, Movses Hakobian, commander of the rebel army in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region, told Azatutyun website.

“Our observations and information released by Azerbaijan indicate that a ‘Strela’ anti-aircraft missile was used. These are Russian-made missiles,” said Hakobian adding that there is no agreement that says Russian cannot sells weapons to any nation. “There are no restrictions that it [Russia] has to be accountable to Armenia about to which country it chooses to sell weapons.”

“Of course it is sad. We are allies and strategic partners and I believe that Russia, in advancing its economic interests, must also take into account our interests. Something that is not being realized,” added Hakobian.

Hakobian said the helicopter fell in an area often referred to as the Line of Contact. Entering the area is risky and dangerous, and Azerbaijan knows full well that “our intentions are to enter that very area, which is under their immediate control,” he said.

Hakobian stressed that the army was still strategizing its next steps, but will not publicize them.

“No threat will go unanswered,” said Hakobian.