Serjik Nervous

Yerevan / 20.07.15 / Turan-ArmInfo: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan voiced complaints to the head of the European Council Donald Tusk at a joint press conference in Yerevan.

"For all the time during the European Games Azerbaijan was imitating peace in Karabakh, but then demonstrated to the international community, who is the true initiator of the escalation, who first opened fire," he said.

In this context, the Armenian leader urged Tusk and other senior EU officials not to equate the parties and to indicate who is guilty of violating the ceasefire, who first opened fire and who is to blame for killing people.

"When the sides are equated, the guilty party feels unpunished," said Sargsyan, who cited the recent statement by Ilham Aliyev, in which he accused the Armenian side and the Europeans of racism and xenophobia.

"Is not it funny when a man who preaches racism, xenophobia and Nazism, accuses other countries, particularly Armenia, Georgia and Europe?" said Sargsyan.

In response, Tusk called on the parties to refrain from aggressive statements which can have dramatic consequences on the steps, provoking an escalation, from any actions that violate the ceasefire. He also called on the parties to engage in dialogue and concessions.

On this Sargsyan said: "Despite my words, Mr Tusk again put an equal sign between the parties, but I'm sure he will express his position during the upcoming meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.

Note that the normally reserved Armenian leader exhibits uncharacteristic emotion amid rumors of secret negotiations between Baku and Moscow to reach a settlement that clearly cannot satisfy the Armenian side. -02D-