The European Games in Baku were the best gift to the Armenian side, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said at a joint press conference with President of the European Council Donald Tusk.
When explaining his statement, Sargsyan said, "Throughout the period of the European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan imitated peace and stability in the Karabakh conflict zone, thereby once again demonstrating to the international community who generally initiates the escalation and who is the first to open the fire."
In this light, Serzh Sargsyan called on Donald Tusk and other high-ranking European officials not to equate the conflicting parties and to specify who breaches the ceasefire, who is the first to open the fire and who is to blame for the human deaths.
"When the parties are equated, the party at fault feels unpunished and this allows Azerbaijan to continue its aggressive statements that spark irony," the President said, recalling the latest speech of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who blamed the Armenian side and Europe for racism and xenophobia.
"Isn't it ridiculous that the person, who advocates racism and xenophobia himself, blames other countries for that, particularly, Armenia, Georgia, and Europe?" said Sargsyan.
In the meantime, the Armenian leader hopes that the correct ways will be found in the future. "Otherwise, it appears that something's wrong somewhere, as William Saroyan would say," he added.
Donald Tusk, in turn, urged the sides to abstain from aggressive statements that may have dramatic consequences, as well as from the steps triggering escalation and from any actions violating the ceasefire. He also called on the sides to conduct a dialogue and to make concessions.
In response, Serzh Sargsyan said, "Despite my words, Mr. Tusk has once again equated the sides, but I am sure he will express his stand during the upcoming meeting with Ilham Aliyev. If it does not help either, I am sure he will express his stand in public.
Donald Tusk, in turn, expressed willingness to be impartial always and everywhere.