Next time Russian will sell Iskanders to Azerbaijan - Ara Papian (video)
Historian Ara Papian says by displaying the Iskander tactical missile systems during the military parade dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, Russia had two over-arching objectives. “First, Russian wants to restore its shattered influence in Armenia and assure us that it is selling weapons not only to Azerbaijan, but also to Armenia. The second reason is that Russia wants to create a new market. I assure you that next time Russia will sell Iskanders to Azerbaijan,” Mr. Papian said on September 27. The historian believes that the display of the Iskander system was also an attempt to restore confidence in the armed forces and, why not, curb the likelihood of a major war. “It was also aimed at curbing Azerbaijan but will have partial effect as Azerbaijan does not unleash and will not unleash a full-scale war. Azerbaijan does not need it at all,” the historian said. Speaking about the referendum in Azerbaijan, Mr. Papian said, “The question of heredity is in the limelight. By amending the constitution, Aliyev wants to introduce the post of first vice-president and remove the requirement that the presidential candidate should be at least 35 years old. He wants to make his son Heydar Aliyev Vice-President of the country.” Ara Papian says the ultimate aim of the constitutional reform is to transfer presidential duties from the father to the son.
