YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. The statements of the Azerbaijani authorities that the Armenian side used chemical weapons against Azerbaijan, are absurd and are meant to hide direct military atrocities against Armenia and the Armenian armed forces.

“Armenpress” reports, statements with respect to white phosphorus which were presented to military attaché at the forefront as evidence of use of chemical weapons ( by the way the presented proof was just caused by the explosion of an artillery shell), was a primitive drama, one and only aim of which was to find another absurd accusation against the Armenian side. Videos released by the Azerbaijani side did not prove that the hole was caused by the firing from the Armenian side. Throughout April days the Azerbaijani soldiers were simply «gleaming» with precise strikes, so they could simply miss and then propel another scandal against the Armenians. Besides, Azerbaijanis staging white phosphorous drama forgot about some most important issues. First of all white phosphorus is not a chemical weapon,it is used as an igniter for explosives and is widely practiced in big buildings as a means of combustion for technical buildups. White phosphorus is not included in the list of chemical weapons and does not apply to an open area. This information can be found in any books on chemistry or disarmament. The use of white phosphorus is ineffective in deserted area. Meanwhile, Azerbaijanis found the shell in the open field, where there was no target. Therefore, this is a staged performance.

Besides, Armenia has undertaken many international obligations, which prohibit the establishment of chemical weapons, use and proliferation. Being a country that cooperates with international organizations Armenia has a lot of responsibilities in terms of arm control and disarmament. Armenia has strong links with international organizations and many international institutions have carried out serious studies in this field. Armenia acquires weapons solely for defensive purposes, which is stated in the military doctrine, therefore, Armenian armed forces have no chemical (offensive) weapon.

As for the Azerbaijani armed forces, it should be noted that during the four-day war in April Azerbaijanis used grenade smoke shells against the Armenian forces. The availability of chemical mixtures generate visual and respiratory irritation for the military staff. In large doses it causes heart infection and respiratory paralysis.