Deputy Foreign Minister: "In all circumstances and by all means we will restore our territorial integrity"

He made the statement in his interview to Reuters.

Deputy Foreign Minister Azimov said Azerbaijan, by growing its economy, its military and its image as a stable partner for the West, was trying to convince Armenia of the need to compromise.

"Official Baku is not looking for war. It's good to have a strong army, it's even better not to use it. We never said and we never say that we shall go to war with Armenia. But Armenia insists on independence for the region. In all circumstances and by all means we will restore our territorial integrity," - said Azimov.

Touching on information about equipping Armenia by Russia, Deputy Minister said Armenia is being supplied with arms by its military ally, Russia.

"Russia equips Armenia under cover of restocking its military hardware at the Russian military base in the Armenian town of Gyumri. When new pieces are brought in, what happens to the old ones? Things are coming in, and nothing is coming out." - Azeri Deputy Minister said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.

/Trend News/