In an interview with the leading Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, revealed the issues hindering peace with Armenia.
Hajiyev stated, "Armenia's militarization must be responsible and proportionate. For example, Yerevan is purchasing long-range missiles and artillery systems from France, which could again be used to attack Azerbaijani cities. The best solution for Armenia would be neutrality, not military alliances that threaten Azerbaijan's security."
He added, "The use of Armenia by some Western countries with a colonial past to promote their policies and intrigues in the Caucasus, just as they do in Africa, has a reverse effect. For instance, France and its government do not have a full understanding of the region and are making geopolitical mistakes that will also be against Europe's interests. Militarizing Armenia and thus fueling its revanchism do not contribute to peace."
Hajiyev also pointed out the European Union's military presence in the region, saying, "We also see the EU's military presence in the region in the form of a border monitoring mission in Armenia and through the European Peace Facility, which is a military project for Armenia. If the EU becomes a military factor in our region, legitimate questions arise: What is the purpose of militarizing Armenia?"