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Azerbaijani delegates are concerned with Armenia’s possession of Iskander short-range ballistic missile system, Chairman of NA Standing Committee on Defense and Security Affairs, Koryun Nahapetyan, said during a press conference on Wednesday in Yerevan. 

“Azerbaijani delegate raises a question at NATO Parliamentary Assembly session over Armenia’s acquisition of Iskander system. Azerbaijani members were quite concerned as it became clear during the discussion,” Nahapetyan said, adding the Armenian side in response presented its defense policy, security priorities, clarifying the purchase is designed to restore the power balance in the South Caucasus.

In Nahapetyan’s words, Azerbaijanis also often complained about the fact Armenia received Russian weapons at discount prices or even free of charge.

“We put the opposite argument, that Azerbaijan has spent billions in USD on buying offensive armament. We do not welcome arms race in the region, yet we are forced to use all available actions to enhance our defense capabilities and maintain the power balance in the region,” Nahapetyan explained.

He added that Azerbaijan has turned into one of the largest arms importer in Europe over the past years, which is a serious threat to not only the regional countries but the whole international community.