Sweden’s representative to the European Parliament Charlie Weimers expressed the opinion that Aliyev is supported by Erdogan’s jihadist allies in Syria.
“Zhoghovurd” daily spoke with Sweden’s representative in the European Parliament Charlie Weimers.
-Mr. Weimers, what triggered the sudden escalation in fightng in Nagorno Karabakh on Sunday, September 27?
Azerbaijan has been pre-planning the assault and escalation for a long time. In the weeks leading up to the escalation, there was unusual military mobilisation on the Azerbaijani side. It is clear that Azerbaijani orchestrated everything with the intend to start a war and seize large parts of Artsakh.
-And how far might willing to go Azerbaijan to secure their respective goals?
Very far, unfortunately. We have seen how they welcomed Turkish hardcore Islamist fighters from North Eastern Syria, their belligerent attacks against Artsakh and the killing of Armenian prisoners of war, including the despicable beheading of the Armenian soldier.
-What you can say about Turkey role?
Turkey’s role has to be strongly condemned. Its involvement in the conflict in support of Azerbaijan has become much deeper in recent months. It has been sending hardcore Islamist Jihadists from North Eastern Syria, which poses a real threat in the escalation of the conflict, inflaming a religious dimension to the conflict. Turkish President Erdogan’s incitement against Armenia also has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
-Can the international community punish Turkey and Azerbaijan?
Yes, the international community should pass sanctions against Turkey and Azerbaijan and Turkey should be expelled from the OSCE Minsk Group.
-How can settle the conflict? With the Minsk Group or other diplomatic channels?
-The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has invited Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s foreign ministers to meet in Washington DC on Friday, 23rd October. I strongly support a US lead in seeking to ease tensions.
-But Nagorno-Karabakh has been independent for almost 30 years. Why didn’t any country recognize it? And what you think, Sweden can recognize Artsakh?
-Unfortunately, I do not see the international community recognising Artsakh any time soon. However, you can count on me as your friend. I will continue to speak out in your defence in face of the injustice the Armenian people have suffered for far too long.
Author-Naira Hovhannisyan
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