Armenian military expert believes Azerbaijan getting prepared for war with Armenia

Each drilling contains a message, military expert Karen Vrtanesyan told Aysor.am referring to the drills Azerbaijan will carry out March 15-18.
He said Azerbaijan usually conducts drills in midst or in late March.

“What it means – Azerbaijan continues conducting drills in the same way as previously. It shows that Azerbaijan does not consider the conflict with Armenians ended,” he said, adding that it is important to understand what “message” the drills contain.

“Each drill contains a message, even if it is not openly said, let’s not forget about their first goal – each drill is strengthening of the armed forces, increasing the skills. Here the important thing is that the enemy is strengthening its armed forces, especially in case when it does it jointly with Turkey. It is mutually agreed work,” the expert said, adding that naturally, it is rather worrying for Armenia.

“The key message we must conclude from Azerbaijan’s post-war actions is that for Azerbaijan the war with Armenia has not ended, they do not consider it an ended war, it is one of the phases for them. It means that at a convenient moment Azerbaijan may apply to adventure like last year,” Vrtanesyan said.

He stressed that the authorities of Armenia are very much trying to persuade the population that the war has ended and it is time to think about peace, while the reality is not as bright.

“Azerbaijan is getting prepared to war,” the expert said, hailing the initiative of the Armenian side to conduct drills too.

He stressed that it is important for the drills to be effective and not turn into a PR action which is in the first place for our authorities.

Vrtanesyan also stressed that Armenian statehood faces serious threats.